Quote from @Chris Mason: They have simulators for heavy equipment operators: bulldozer, backhoe, etc.

Also, in general, I wouldn't solely rely on a single source, rather: 1) collect feedback from various sources, 2) decide which components are the most critical for you personally, 3) weigh in on the pros and cons, 4) speak with all of the operators to add to the list of pros and cons, 5) and only then make an informed decision. 

I do NOT think having an operating LLC located in a different state than the ones owned is overkill. 

I have seen several offers from operators around the country who are offering interest rates of sub 6% for a 30-year fixed mortgage with a 20% down payment required, NO POINTS.

You must keep the tenants security deposit at a bank that physically operates a branch office in the State of NC.  

Hey Bigger Pockets community, I'm just starting out in Step 1 (get educated) on what I want to become a successful career in real estate investment.I also currently run an e-commerce business that is currently completely online, but would benefit from having a brick & mortar storefront, and I had an idea that maybe using the investment capital I'm looking to allocate into real estate into a commercial property my business can operate out of until I decide to sell the property in or rent it out to another business.I am obviously very naive when it comes to the complexity of any good real estate deal (especially commercial VS residential), but I'm hoping to spend as much time learning from everyone here who is on their journey as well.My main concern with the idea of buying commercial to operate my business out of it that I might struggle to rent it out afterwards and that there may likely be depreciation in the commercial real estate market over the next 5 years.I understand there is a lot of nuance depending on the local market but I'm guessing commercial is even less of a "safe" bet than finding a solid residential deal to leverage in some way.

It’s entirely possible to operate with integrity, provide real value, and still earn a strong income.

Hold the property in the LLC's name for liability shielding, and use it for rent collection, expense management, and centralized operations.

Their pursuit of cash flow normally leads them to the worst of the worst neighborhoods where the spreadsheets never capture the accurate operating expenses and no consideration for neighborhood fundamentals is part of their analysis.

For the experienced cohosts in the group, I’d love to get your thoughts on payment processing options for cohosting companies (LLCs) that position themselves as property management companies but operate without a broker’s license.As an investor and soon-to-be STR entrepreneur, my business will initially focus on managing a small portfolio of vacation rentals with plans to scale.