Most private and hard money lenders don’t want to be in a third position because if things go sideways, they’re way down the line to get paid.

You are still within your tax free window but you will hopefully get some appreciation and if not, at least you got loan buy down that was paid by your tenants.

I can't remember the last time we paid asking price or market value for a property.- You will NOT make money in this business paying asking or market prices.Recommend you pursue two strategies:1) Start running the numbers BACKWARDS on properties you like. - Figure out market rents, deduct property taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, etc. and plug remainder into a mortgage calculator for a mortgage amount.

Should I talk to a lender to try and get pre-approved, or at least see what I can do to get that ball rolling?

PLUS you have fees that need to be paid in order to be a Realtor.

It’s easy to get excited and move fast, especially when someone says “you’re pre-approved,” but the fine print can make or break a deal’s cash flow.Also agree 100% on 3rd Federal — their HELOC terms are super investor-friendly if you’re in one of the states they serve.

Financing- you have the land as collateral, if 100% paid off. 

I’m not sure how Scott Meyers gets paid… it would be too stressful for me to guess I wish the zoom meetings the syndicators put on would answer year over year gross and net figures and discuss the debt service.  

I contacted the city to get all permits and the only one was one that my contractor got that I paid for.

Making sure everyone is paid for their work is critical.