Because of the protections an LLC offers in this space, I'd simply say my non-expert opinion would be to spend a little extra to make a separate LLC for this new home, for the legal protections & to make your taxes less of a headache for you.

So a $250k goal cuts you from 2500 to about 12 paid off properties.

I did a search on Distress Properties in Nampa Idaho, and there are 567+ distressed properties. 

I'm searching for ways to acquire off market properties since there is so much competition with listings on the MLS.

I'm trying to keep the mindset that we are paid these "peanuts" to wait for the right time to do a cash out refi.

Then sell property, record sale price and fees you paid.  

@Steven Wocknitz It's more common in Canada to call hard money lenders B lenders or non-banks.

I think in Oakland CA, they still have renters not paying and owners not being paid with new extensions on the Moratoriums.

I did a search on zillow both for multifamily (<200k) and older homes (<150k) in Alabama, most of them look pretty creepy, I am kinda new, not sure if I can handle those.

The sheer amount of topics and knowledge can be overwhelming so If anyone can narrow my search I would be extremely grateful.Some topics I know I need more info are:- VA Loan approval process- Living in Quad plex for 1 year then buying another investment property to move into.