My focus is on long-term rentals in the C+ to B neighborhood range, ideally priced under $120K (preferably closer to $100K).

The thing that holds most beginners back is much simpler:They don’t have a clear plan for the first 90 days.I’ve seen so many new investors jump from podcasts to YouTube to forums, soaking up information but never building an actual roadmap.And without a plan, everything feels overwhelming — markets, terms, lenders, strategy choices… all of it.You don’t need a perfect strategy to start.You just need a simple direction:Pick one strategy to learn (BRRRR, STR, house hack, etc.)Pick one market to study deeplyPick one daily or weekly habit you’ll stick to (analyzing deals, networking, saving, whatever moves you forward)Clarity beats intensity every time.The investors who succeed aren’t the ones who know the most — they’re the ones who stay consistent long enough to make their first move.If you’re overwhelmed, simplify.Start with the next 90 days, not the next 10 years.For those who are just getting started — what’s the one thing you’re focusing on first?

Should I ask for a Preferred Return (e.g., 6-8%) on my remaining capital?

If he is managing it he gets a management fee, if you are both on the loan then you each get a loan guarantor fee, and then who puts the equity in gets a preferred return and above that can be split 50/50 between you if you like or however you want to structure it. 

You gain freedom of choice.5.

I prefer thicker, hard plastic tongue & grooves to paper/cardboard/rubber as they seem to stay locked together better over time. 

Slow FIREGoal: Achieve FIRE gradually without extreme sacrifices.Approach: Balance between saving and enjoying life now.Who it’s for: Those who prefer a moderate pace. 

Nothing in that ALJ ruling overrides your choice.2.

The preferred positions were noted in the original prospectus.  

It does happen from time to time that brokers will higher someone with the understanding that they will not provide any help at all...so if that's what's happening here, then we need a plan.2 Choices here:Network Like a Madman:  Let's try some local meetup groups.