Patience really is key in this game!

Either way, document everything and go in expecting surprises—these kinds of properties can be gold mines after you clean them up, but the cleanup is where the game is won or lost.

Analyzing properties and structuring deals all require organization and attention to detail—skills that translate perfectly from the military world.I started my own real estate investing journey by using my VA loan to purchase my first property, which was a game-changer.

It doesn't help that trump keeps playing games with these tariffs - going from 10% one day to 145% for china the next. 

Just keep in mind, wholesaling is 100% a sales game.

That changes the game from a pure investment flip.Massive Savings: Seriously, no down payment, no PMI, and those long-term interest rates are going to be way lower than anything I or any other hard money lender could offer.

Just make sure it’s titled in both your names if you both go on the loan.Option 3: Use Cash — Least Risk, Least LeverageUsing your HYSA/CDs can make the deal stress-free and get you better pricing with sellers (cash closes move fast)But: It kills your liquidity and limits scalabilityIn an inflationary market, your cash is losing purchasing power unless it's working for youA smart hybrid: Use cash for down payment + closing, finance the rest with a loan (conventional or DSCR), and keep the HELOC untouched as a backup reserve or for rehab funds.My Recommendation: The “Hybrid Stack”Based on your situation, here’s a strong game plan:Use the HELOC for the down payment (this lets your cash stay liquid and interest-only eases the early cash flow drag)Finance the rest with a conventional loan (fixed rate, long-term hold benefits)Keep your cash reserve as a safety net for capex, vacancy, or a second dealThis gives you:Flexibility (via HELOC)Stability (via 30-year mortgage)Liquidity (keep your cash!)

Early morning framing package delivery for this duplex!One time, I did an entire rehab... 5 months worth of work and in the end, I made $800 total dollars that I had to split with someone. I was not pleasant to be aro...

Real estate investing is a long game. 

It's a numbers game.