You need decent credit and some skin in the game. (15%-20% down + pay for closing costs)Typically when investors call me i will go over the numbers with them right on the phone and verify the deal fits our box / give pricing, then I'll take the time to do some comparable sale research to verify if your estimated ARV is within reason. 

One bright point is usually in any arena, the more difficulty middlemen create, the fewer investors you’ll have to compete against.

But investing outside of your state has its own set of difficulties as well, such managing remotely and not being familiar with the specifics of the local market.Make a Plan for Property Management: If you decide to invest in rental properties, decide if you'll handle them yourself or by working with a management company.

I am a licensed realtor here in Los Angeles, don't want to deal with the exodus of insurance companies and difficulty getting insurance and keeping it after a claim, tenant landlord laws being heavily in favor of tennants, exorbitant property taxes and minimal RTP among a few other factors with these being the most inspiration to take my money out of california.  

I have been having difficulty finding a meetup to go to so I am glad you mentioned it.

Hi- I am having some tenant difficulties with a property in Seattle and am looking for a lawyer that can give me some advice.

In this business, like most other businesses, you have to be thick-skinned, assertive and inventive.

Again, other might feel differently here.b) Skin in the game: as a conservative investor, I understand that the dirty secret of industries that the waterfall compensation is in the line with me and incentivizes sponsors to take more risk.

I think you equally partially answered that question, telling the difficulties you are facing with STR regulations.this is my prescription and what I have decided to do .consider HELOC your current property, use the money to 1- add some value to your current home if room provide ( not to exceed X $ amount) you can then rent out the extra created meat to help pay HELOC2- Use the balance of HELOC to purchase another home in an appreciating market and if possible one that allows STR. use cash flow from new property still towards HELOC and just allow second home appreciate OR if you can fine a fixer upper to do BRRRR tat will even be better.that is what I have resolved to to. you can get back to me at 301-256-1578 so we can continue to brainstorm.little cent

In the past there were more options to get creative with seller financing etc to put down less than that, but now the primary lender in general won't allow this as they want to assure you have sufficient skin in the game.