@Joseph Vu, yes ideally that is the type of property that I would like to get.

It does sound like if you're not able or willing to have a fully self financed cash transaction, you would probably qualify for a decent traditional loan product that would keep you on the legal side of things- which is ideal for beginning your REI journey! 

Ideally, if you can househack with roommates would be good or buy something with a basement that you can finish and Airbnb.

https://metro.co.uk/2021/05/27...Pictures and video included.

Ideally, we'd live in the home (Santa Clara/SJ area) for at least 2 years and then rent it out.House-hacking is our plan A, but assuming it is too hard to find a deal in the area we're looking, which option would you choose, or is there a better way to use our cash?      

I will be driving down during Memorial Day to do a drive by and take as many pics and videos as possible, but can someone here provide me with some guidance as to what I need to be looking at if I wanted to present this to a potential investor.

If you are interested in connecting for a video call, please let me know. 

Then you can wholesale legally.Here is a good video The Ohio Division of Real Estate made about wholesaling in Ohio https://www.youtube.com/watch?

No cash out of your pocket is the ideal situation.

They both have a butch of YouTube videos.