Come to the table with a plan, and finances worked out to get the best service and agent.

Taking the primary residence from a 3 to a 4 bedroom, adding HVAC, new open floor plan, modern kitchen and bathrooms as as well as adding massive walk in closets in two of the four bedrooms.

There's loads of material in the academy and I'm happy with the investment.My recommendation for deciding whether to spend money on something like this is similar to letting a friend borrow money. 

They may want less than what you are planning to offer:)

Is there a way to protect myself and recoup any of my equity  (downpayment and any construction I plan to do) if the property by chance forecloses? 

@Mounish Thatikonda are you planning to do large rehab projects? 

If you don't want to occupy, there are other options that look at the income potential of the property and do NOT factor in your income, employment history or DTI but you'll have a significantly higher minimum down payment - plan on 20% to be safe.

There are Facebook groups full of people that spend money to become notaries, then LSAs, and ask where the work is because it’s sparse.

My plan is to buy 1 STR and 1 LTR. 

I think my plan would be to stay on that course, not necessarily with multi units though.