.) • Studying your local market and rental demand • Building a solid team — lender, agent, insurance, and contractor • Keeping reserves so one surprise repair doesn’t derail your plans For many first-time investors, house hacking or starting with a small multi-unit is a practical way to enter the market while minimizing risk and lowering living expenses. 

The near-misses I’ve seen this year almost always come back to optimistic ARVs or thin margins that didn’t leave room for today’s underwriting.Looking ahead to 2026, early indicators point to:Continued DSCR focusSlightly tighter LTVsMore emphasis on durability vs. max leverageThat lines up with recent commentary from groups like the MBA, AAPL, and broader private credit analysts showing banks staying cautious while non-QM and DSCR demand holds steady.Feels like a market that’s rewarding clarity and discipline more than creativity right now.Thanks for the sharp take @Christian Wamsley and spot‑on about DSCR becoming the practical default with its focus on real cash flow coverage and realistic underwriting.

Because it's principally a "time-value" (cash flow) benefit, you probably (in my opinion) want to have a hold period of at least 5 years (not a technical requirement - but more of a practical requirement) before you'd look at that. 

Since these actions are very state specific, and involve an understanding of esoteric features of civil law, it’s vital that your friend engage the services of an attorney specializing in ASSET PROTECTION and licensed to practice in the state in question.  

The overall inventory is trending down.Rental Market TrendsThe charts below are only relevant to the property profile that we target.Rentals - Median $/SF by MonthRents were flat MoM again, and practically flat YoY.

From a practical and legal standpoint, it’s very common for sellers to be limited in what they can share.

Speed, certainty to close, and flexibility around credit and liquidity usually matter more in practice.

I believe most states consider preparing deeds to be the practice of law unless it is related to the issuance of a title policy so unless there's an attorney on staff a title company probably can't legally prepare it unless they're issuing a title policy.

My basic, but realistic and practical advice: practice underwriting and deal analysis. 

In practice, it’s usually not one thing in isolation, it’s the combination.Appraisals have tightened, especially on value-add where post-reno rent growth is assumed.