I see a lot of investors find strong opportunities but struggle when choosing between hard money, bridge financing, DSCR loans, or traditional products.

Since you already understand traditional finance, adding real estate knowledge will put you in a strong position early in your career.From a tax perspective, the biggest advantage you have right now is time.

I’ve been having more conversations lately about how investors are adjusting their financing strategies with banks tightening up, rates moving around, and deals needing to close faster than ever.One thing I’m seeing: more investors leaning heavily on private money and asset-based lending, especially for fix-and-flip and short-term bridge needs.Curious how others here are approaching it:Are you using private lenders more often than traditional banks right now?

Quote from @Ashish Acharya: @Adam Ashley, Great answers so far, and yeah, totally fair question, the Bay Area is one of the hardest places to make traditional BRRRR numbers work.From a tax angle, a lot of investors here pivot their strategy instead of walking away from the market entirely.

My former primaries are my most lucrative rentals over time because they are in the best locations. 

Unless you're prepared to over pay for the privilege of owner financing there's no advantage to the seller when compared head-to-head against a traditional sale.If I wanted to buy this property I would never present an offer the way you wrote it up.Keep It Simple.Question 1: "Mr.

Duplex purchased in 2024 - First deal, Turn key, traditional Side by side, 1980 build in good area (same suburb where I live)Listed on MLS for $325k, accepted $300k on land contract with 20% down at 5.5% interest with 5 year balloon and 25 year am.

I can't speak to the entire country, but you're in VA, and I've seen quite a bit of rent-to-own in VA Beach, so this may help: For the demographic you’re thinking about — younger buyers with decent income but affordability challenges — I've seen them participate in programs like shared equity or down-payment assistance more so than rent-to-own for a few reasons: Traditional rent-to-own operates in a different corner of the market than the one you’re focused on.In many areas, like VA Beach, rent-to-own tends to show up with older, more distressed homes that wouldn’t function well as traditional rentals.

Are there specific features you're looking for that you know traditional PM software don't accomodate?

Rent-by-the-room can absolutely work, but it’s a different business model than traditional rentals.