If you ever want a second set of eyes on deal structure or financing options, I am always open to sharing insight and helping investors think through scenarios.

If the numbers work, maybe consider structuring a short term adjustment, say for 6-12 months with a step down and scheduled review or a slightly smaller reduction paired with a shorter term lease so that you can re-evaluate once her situation stabilizes?

Use this period to build “investor muscle”:Network locally: Northern NJ & Northeast PA have active REIA and Mastermind groups where you can learn creative strategies (seller finance, JV, partnerships, DSCR lending, etc.).Educate tactically: Move from general podcasts to deal-focused learning — cash flow calculators, DSCR loan basics, and rent comps.Understand investor financing: Once you’re ready, your pension-backed W2 and equity could make you an excellent DSCR or bridge loan candidate with the right structure.⚙️ 5.

That gives you structure and documentation at a lower fee.What they usually don’t cover well is boots-on-the-ground work — maintenance coordination, vendor oversight, property checks, and emergencies.

OC itself usually requires more creativity — ADUs, value-add layouts, or properties that aren’t obvious at first glance.I also do a lot of out-of-state investing and help clients buy cash-flow-positive rentals in markets that make sense, so if living in OC and investing elsewhere makes more sense, I can walk you through how to structure that too.Happy to talk it through and help you strategize a realistic plan.

Fund it conservatively, avoid major structural work on deal one, and require written scope, milestone payments, and photo proof.

Always good to have more capital-side perspectives in here.One thing I’ve seen consistently as portfolios scale is that deal structure and operational clarity matter just as much as the numbers.

I think the best way to structure these is to use a HELOC or Cash to purchase the property, then do a cash out refi 90 days afterwards. 

You want someone who understands investment strategies, can walk you through financing options, and helps you structure loans in a way that supports your long-term goals.

After this is well optimized, I plan to get more specific on structure and scale.