It all depends on your circumstances and what your exit strategy is.

I don't see an off market acquisition strategy in here. 

(long term results not "just got my first deal")3. whats their strategy?

(Asking for financial data on properties).

It's crucial to align your investment strategy with your personal goals and risk tolerance.

Setting clear goals and seeking guidance from experienced investors are excellent successful strategies.

I've spent a lot of time researching rental properties and was comfortable with that strategy, but since nothing pencils and I'm pivoting a bit at least to get started, I feel like I'm starting over before I even began. 

The most common strategy is to use the existing equity to put into another downpayment and buy another property - this provides an effective use of leverage as you are expanding your portfolio.

@Chad Herringunless:(a) you have both substantially more capital than the amount you are looking to lend, and (b) you have expertise in real estatei would strongly recommend not doing thisprivate lending is an advanced strategy, not a beginning oneand what flipper needs just 25k??

Has the new ordinance impacted you, or have you adjusted your purchasing strategy to comply with it?