@Brad HillsHi Brad, congrats on taking the first step by thinking strategically about your money and time!

MarineAll properties are in Southern California Licensed Realtor – netted $60K in 2025 from real estate commissionsWife is already helping with property managementMy Goal:I want to strategically reduce my tax burden for 2025 and beyond.

Investors who solely chase banking terms do not formulate the same valuable relationships. 

Just constantly providing value on public spaces, there are brands who will help you post and strategize at least in the beginning, remote for $1k a month but if you can't afford that just keep providing value and converting those listeners 

This has included:*Financial oversight with budgets and bookkeeping, having a finger on the pulse of cashflow and financials*Regular communication with partners (business partner, accountant, contractors and investors)*Implementing weekly sync calls to go over short and long term goals/lists (highly recommend the book Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman on this one)*Strategic planning, focusing on not just the current projects, but looking ahead and having plans in place to maintain momentum*Analysis of each project to determine wins/lessons and use these to continue to improveI think regardless of the business, being intentional versus random and careless certainly makes and impact on progress and scaling.   

If you use your capital strategically (maybe even house hack or partner on your first few deals), you can build equity while keeping your risk manageable.

Even small upgrades or flexible lease terms can dramatically increase long-term occupancy.Data-driven rent strategy: Monitoring comparable rents and adjusting strategically prevents turnover while keeping your units competitive.Combining proactive marketing with strong management and transparent financial reporting is really the key — keeps cashflow consistent and stress levels down!

Your monthly payments remain well below the current market rate.Year 4 and beyond: The rate is fixed at a fantastic 5.75% for the life of the loan.Why this is a smart move for investors:Solve the High-Rate Problem: You're not just hoping for rates to drop; you are strategically locking in a rate that is already below the market average.Cash Flow Certainty: This program allows you to model your cash flow with certainty, knowing exactly what your payments will be over the first few years.Appreciation & Equity: You can start building equity and benefit from potential appreciation in the market while enjoying a subsidized rate.

It's a strategic move that saves you money, time, and stress.

Misalignment on scope vs. line items happens more often than most people admit, so you’re not alone there.A couple things I’ve seen work well between draws:Negotiate with contractors to accept partial payments upfront with balance due once the draw hits.Use short-term private money (friends, family, or local investors) to float a portion, secured by the property.Line up business credit (cards or LOCs like you’re doing) but be strategic so interest doesn’t eat your margins.On the line items, the key is communicating with your lender early — if you can show the work is completed and in budget overall, many will be flexible even if the numbers per category don’t match perfectly.