Happy to connect if you want to dive deeper! 

It’s great to hear that you’re already working on a project to expand opportunities for real estate investors—that’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the field.As you dive deeper, here are a few things you’ll want to focus on to better understand how real estate investors analyze deals and make decisions:1.

Are you looking for cashflow, appreciation, maybe even depreciation. 

You have to dig a little deeper there are questions that need to be addressed and VOE's filled out with specifics in order to use certain incomes and "stipends".Similar to a traveling nurse who get housing, meals, and other income. 

Equity paydown and modest appreciation would result in a small profit; not enough to justify a non passive investment but i will own a killer cabin.  

Thank you all for your feedback and suggestions, I greatly appreciate your help!

Also, high days on market properties are worth digging deeper on to find seller's motivation and potentially unlock a good deal.

I would find a property that can provide you both.I used to aim for 8% cash on cash return + 4% appreciationGiven where the market is now, it is likely hard to find 8% cash-on cash and a 4% appreciation.I think 4% cash-on cash and 4% appreciation is do-able.

Property appreciation that you realize that you don't get if you rent.4.

I have a question and would really appreciate your input.I’ve done a couple of fix-and-flip projects in the past using hard money lenders, but I’ve noticed that their fees and interest rates significantly cut into my profits.