.: Education, finding a realtor to be "everything," finding wholesalers for deals, vetting contractors, the whole process.

You could go higher, but at this stage in the market I am being a little more conservative on leverage. 

My rentals allow for leverage and create freedom that I can't match in Vegas B&HI'm not definitely going to cash out, but it's enticing.

I am a new investor with no rehab experience yet, but I would rather not have to fix up properties and instead leverage my debt for immediate cash flow.

Underwriting may be aggressive and the sponsor knows it, so they want to make sure they get paid lots of fees, which they collect no matter how the deal performs.Watch out for too much leverage.  

Cash flow is just one part of real estate investing. having a mortgage certainly makes you mitigate more risk, but it can be used to make a LOT LOT LOT more moneythat's why it's called 'leverage'

So maybe you can go thru the sell process w the intent to build these homes, leverage the P&S and then get your one off loans to build, and then finally sell and pay off the loan.Check it out

I believe real estate investing is one of the best ways of doing this.In short, My long term goals center around:Health: My well-being, Relationships (Everyone in the world) and their healthLearning: Education and Growing experiencesAdventures: TravelWealth: Reinvesting in Real Estate BUT (secret #1) I believe my highest purpose is; To love others and enjoy my journey, as well as help others love and enjoy their journey, no matter their circumstances.

FlemingYou must build up your educational foundation before you start any new endeavor.

As someone new I think education is key I am new as well so take this with a grain of salt.