5 years later, I continue to pay the minimums and use all excess $$$ to fund my next deal.

Tell her you expect her out no later than midnight on March 31, 2022 and that she is not required to clean. 

So, I'm assuming if I'm in the market for a second home loan, I need to have it funded by April so go into contract no later than March 2022?

If they're being compensated by the sale of the home later on, pay them less up front.

I want to begin my journey by flipping SFR homes and move into buy and hold investments later down the road.

I would get it checked.You could have them turn oven on 350 and a few minutes later text you a picture inside of oven.

As of Jan 2022 (12 months later), I am considering moving back home to CA and renting out my primary residence in AZ and turning it into an investment/income producing property.

Three months later the heat exchanger exploded.

With school as the primary focus, those two options allow you to be involved in real estate, without having to say oversee a rehab project or manage a STR/LTR (short term/long term rental).There will be plenty of time for all of this of course, but studying (inside school and out), gaining the knowledge base and networking will give you all the fire power you need later on to close deals and accomplish your goals!

Fast forward 6-7 years later, and that property is now worth more than double what we purchased it for.