My questions refer to starting out with rental properties.

Look to see if HVAC filters are present and clean or are they missing or filthy.

I am starting from the bottom up and am in need of some first steps that would be beneficial to start my career off.

Thinking of house hacking to start.  

I’ve been paying off extra principal each month but have started thinking it might make more sense to save up that amount and do a recast when it gets large enough to increase cash flow.

@Stanley Smeltzer That's a good starting point.

I then started a business buying homes on terms.

One of my clients around 10 years ago that grew up in San Jose CA, he informed me that his Uncle back home started buying affordable homes & lots that bordered areas that commanded a higher price.

Is it possible to start investing with little or no money?

Answering those questions is an excellent start to where an investor should purchase a STR!