If you want more doors fast, stack a HELOC for flexibility, only draw against it when a specific deal pencils with full expenses and reserves, or house hack a small multifamily as your primary to access better terms.

Your reputation and responsiveness will get you deal flow long before your capital stack does.Understand debt.

Cheap debt plus big deductions had people stacking properties like crazy.

It's a phenomenal resource, that can either be used for destruction of self or building legacy.

You are doing the right thing, by continuing to stack cash.  1 bad deal will ruin 3 good ones. 

Keep it simple and learn the basics (tons of resources here).3.

A simple technology stack and a great local team (cleaners, maintenance, and "gopher") is sufficient to self-manage one unit, assuming you don't mind the occasional late night call.

If you’re new to short-term rentals, here are some solid resources to get you started:✅ Airbnb & Vrbo Host Resource Centers – Perfect for learning the basics straight from the platforms.✅ YouTube channels like Robuilt and Airbnb Automated – Practical, step-by-step tips from experienced hosts.✅ Books like The Airbnb Expert’s Playbook – A great intro to hosting fundamentals.✅ Online communities (Facebook groups, Reddit’s r/Airbnb) – Learn from real hosts sharing what works and what doesn’t.Focus first on guest experience, pricing strategy, and local regulations—those are the pillars of a successful STR business.I can also share my top 5 beginner mistakes to avoid if you’d like—just let me know! 

With FHA, you can: Put as little as 3.5% down, keeping more capital for reserves or future deals Live in one unit and rent out the others(if you buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex) Use rental income to help qualifyfor a larger loan amountStart building equity, gain landlord experience, and position yourself to refinance or 1031into your next property down the roadIt’s a great way to reduce your living expenses (or even live for free), learn property management firsthand, and start stacking assets early.

I used this data to sell construction work and find subcontractors for my own business, but I'm tired of being a contractor and am seeing if the resources i've built can be repurposed.