I like that you’re thinking about blending personal use with income and long-term appreciation instead of just chasing short-term cash flow.If you structure it right from the beginning, that first one can become the blueprint for the rest of the portfolio.I’m based in Florida and work with a lot of investors doing STR/MTR and Gulf Coast properties, so happy to share insights anytime as you refine your strategy.

Early in my real estate journey, I thought success meant deals closed, doors counted, and momentum everyone could see.
What I’ve learned since is that the quiet work matters just as much - sometimes more.
Lately, my...

A downside-first read before thinking about upsideThe goal isn’t to kill deals — it’s to avoid forcing numbers or chasing something that only works on best-case assumptions.Curious how others here handle early-stage deal strategy:What’s your first filter before you decide a deal is worth serious time?

Clear financing structure removes doubt and speeds up decision making.Investors today are not simply chasing discounts.

I don't know metro Detroit, but you might find the same thing there... a regional bank that wants to chase high net worth individuals by offering an unusually good NOO HELOC, they might make it a package deal and require that you open a checking/savings account with them (they want more of your business than JUST your HELOC, that's the point, that's their goal, that's why they do it). 

Where I'm still out chasing investment properties.

Consistency gets easier when you're not chasing dead leads.What markets are you working, and how are you sourcing leads right now?

Don’t chase hot markets.Stable, landlord-friendly, strong rent-to-price ratios scale better long term.Biggest mistake I see at this stage: optimistic underwriting + no operational systems.What’s your long-term target — small portfolio or full-time investing?

I’m not chasing appreciation or BRRR hype — just looking for properties that work today and still make sense 10–20 years out.My capital stack:~$90k available for down payment + closing + initial reservesFinancing: conventional / FHA / DSCR (open to all)Goal: cash flow ≥ $200–400/month per door after all expensesI’m not looking for “get rich quick” or BRRR hype — just steady, boring, dependable cash flow that survives recessions.Appreciate any real-world experience 🙏Thanks!

Appreciate any insight from investors who’ve shifted from active deal-chasing into more consistent income streams.