I’d recommend learning how to accurately estimate rehab costs, study local ARVs (After Repair Values), and build relationships with reliable contractors and agents who understand investment properties.

Learn your numbers before you learn your scripts.If you can estimate ARV and repairs confidently, sellers take you seriously and buyers trust your deal.

Review Capital ExpendituresEnsure large repairs and improvements are logged correctly.

The first duplex/triplex teaches you:• how to screen tenants• how to run clean P&Ls• how to underwrite repairs and CapEx• what you personally can tolerate in terms of property condition, turnover, and neighborhoodsThe more you standardize early, the faster you scale later.3.

You can count pre-rental hours if the work is directly tied to getting the property ready and available for rent repairs, renovations, setup, furnishing, deep cleaning, safety work, etc.

I still need to learn how to talk to sellers, realtors, and property managers, but I know that part just comes from doing it and gaining experience.One idea I’ve considered is partnering with a friend, investor, or family member to cover the down payment and initial reserves (vacancies, repairs, etc.).

Also yes.An estoppel forces the tenant to certify in writing:• Current rent• Security deposit amount• Lease start date• Lease end date (if any)• Concessions or side agreements• Seller’s compliance (repairs, etc.)Without that, you’re relying on trust, and trust isn’t a due-diligence tool.5.

I have around 250k for a down payment and repairs.

It’s great that you’re building a buy-and-hold strategy with a mix of small multifamily and single-family homes with ADU potential—that’s a smart long-term approach, and your background as a carpenter actually gives you a big advantage when it comes to understanding repairs and value-add opportunities.

Examples of prohibited transactions include personally using a property the SDIRA owns, selling property you already own to your SDIRA, or doing your own repairs or improvements on the investment property.