This aligns with my initial leaning.

And what assumptions did you initially underestimate?

However, my experience with the program significantly differed from what was initially promised.One of my primary concerns was the issue of missed classes.

We are not planning to rehab and live in a property, so we’re focusing on traditional rental investing rather than house hacking or flips.Target areas are the Southeast or Midwest, with an initial investment budget around $75k.I’d really appreciate insight on:• What steps you’d recommend taking before making an offer on a first deal• How to properly analyze deals when you’re brand new• How to connect with potential mentors or experienced investors who are open to helping newer investors• Whether long-term or short-term rentals tend to be better for first-time investors, in your experienceAny advice, tools, podcasts, books, or strategies you’d recommend would be greatly appreciated. 

We were initially thinking California, or neighboring states.

I'm able to pull information on a property's initial sale date but as we all know those rarely end up being the actual sale date due to postponement/adjournment/etc.

We prepaid the fees as part of the initial investment, which we were told would be enough until the trees started fruiting. 

However, it might be subject to first look initiative for 30 days, meaning the buyer intends to take occupancy. 

The real question is whether you can cover surprises without getting forced into a bad refinance or a fire sale.A practical way to think about it:First, confirm what $20,000 actually buys youIf you are using conventional financing, $20,000 often becomes tight once you include closing costs, inspection items, initial repairs, and lender escrows.

Always ensure the guest or airbnb initiates the cancellation to avoid the penalty, and in this case you definitely deserve the booking revenue.