You will certainly run into challenges that you did not anticipate and it is great to have a responsive and helpful lender partner.Naturally you will want to find a product with competitive pricing and leverage, though keep in mind first time investors do not always qualify for the lowest pricing.

When is the best time to start incorporating these professionals during the journey? 

i have some trades i've worked with a few times and if i ask them for a rough estimate they'll provide it. 

Ok I will check those websites out, Thank you.There's a variety of ways to get a deal in front of you (I'm mostly a flipper), but basically if it looks promising, I run custom comps queries and check the current & past $/sf of renovated/distressed product in that city or zipcode.Here's a chart on 90066 I generated from my tool under Market Stats > Sales Data > Specific Zip Code:- My above chart (more available) shows the Avg Renovated $/sf (High) over time in this Zip Code, something completely different than charts/providers based on Averages/Medians only, like every other platform (RedFin Below, https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/):- Can't select smaller locations such as City or Zipcode for their $/sf data, so it's useless helping me underwrite/verify a deal.- Can set Zip Code for Median Sale Price data, but again it's the median/avg so it's useless helping me underwrite/verify a deal.Then if that looks decent, I'll run Sales Comps, and get a quick summary of some key metrics based on those comps.

I would spend time looking at comps on Furnished Finder and Airbnb, see which properties are current vacant vs properties that have availability in the future.

However, I have not heard of how the loan rates compare to the more frequented options.Context: First-time young homebuyer.

When it comes time to actually invest, you will typically be required to show some sort of verification - either a signed financial statement if you meet the requirement on net worth, or income tax returns if you meet the requirement on income.  

Lesson learned pay others to do the time consuming labor.

What is the highest demand part of the city?

Hello All, 1st time home buyer here - looking mainly in Fairfax/Arlington counties, with loudon being a last resort.