Quick list, pros- low vacancy rates, high rents, moderate/high home appreciation, high rents increases, demand is always there as people move/commute from NYC; cons- very competitive, pro tenant laws, high property taxes, some towns have rent control, high barrier to entry with expensive multifamily prices. 

@Dulce DavisAs mentioned file a complaint with state licensing boardMost have funds reserved to cover stuff like this and they may complete the work for those who were victims of fraud.Also if he was employed by them and pulled the license under their name I would also sue themWho did you make checks out to though?

Would like the best shot at securing funding.

This cost per sqft works for me as the average low-mid new build in the area is at $150 sqft.lastly..

That is a good point about the 1st mortgage being too low to entice the 2nd to negotiate.

With $20k in savings and an additional $4k monthly saving rate, I'm navigating my next steps carefully, especially since I value starting with a substantial equity position in any deal.Here are the options I'm contemplating:Invest in a Low Entry Property: With my capacity for a 20% down payment, I'm considering properties in the $100k-$120k range.

There is also one put on by streamline funding second Wednesday morning of every month that I like.

@Yechiel W.Both the Columbus and Cleveland markets are great for investing in from out of state since they are landlord-friendly, and have a low barrier of entry and cash flow.

I'm considering doing a private money raise in order to secure more rehab funds to continue the renovation on a 3plex flip in Houston, TX and then push the ARV to a much higher value from $275k to $500k+.

Or in other words, the rent received from house hacking would cover our housing costs (mortgage, property tax, insurance, repairs, utilities).Upon research however Oahu seem to be a high cost and low cap rate area similar to SF where we currently live.