I introduced the concept of the seller financing the sale and explained all the benefits to the seller.

All stuff you probably already know, Steven, but spelling it out for the benefit of others.

Appreciation is a side benefit of real estate that is really great, but how do you know that it will appreciate after buying the property at a retail price. 

Now that you have done some leg work, the next opportunity will benefit from your experience and exposure to the aesthetics and financials of the lost deal.Good luck on your REI journey and please let us know of your success in bagging the 1st elusive deal!

It wasn't until this week when I finally got around to reading @Brandon Turner's "The Book on Inventing in Real Estate With No and Low Money Down" that I realized how hard money can help and benefit in a RE deal.

They are looking to diversify their investment portfolio and benefit from tax advantage of real estate.  1st Question) From your experience, is the tax benefit taken on annual cash flow more valuable than the potential for capital appreciation through leverage.

That’s great news, because as an investor yourself, you benefits from having a diverse selection of deals from which to choose.

I also used the VA loan benefits to get started.

As a first time home buyer, how can I get started with investment properties and retain my first time home buyer benefits for when I am ready to purchase my first home to live in? 

Hi @Frank Sanchez and welcomeIf you are talking about for the purchase and your own benefit, you can use whoever you want (Some people put in no contingencies at all and roll the dice).