I used to think the same thing.But after working with a lot of new investors, here’s the pattern I keep seeing:The people who grow the fastest are the ones who get their foundation right before they buy anything.I’m talking about simple stuff like:Opening separate bank accountsKeeping clean records from day oneUnderstanding how income and expenses actually flowGetting a basic system for tracking your numbersYou don’t need to be an expert.

I think a lot of newer investors underestimate how different these two tools feel once you’re actually inside a capital stack.Here’s the way I usually explain it to operators:Mezzanine = Debt with a seatbeltIt’s basically a second-position loan pretending to be equity.You’re paying a stated interest rate, payments are expected, and if you miss them, the lender can enforce remedies.

Once you jump into the real estate world, it does become addictive.Getting ahead and learning the basics now can save you a lot of headaches later.

---So basically for a $160k all cash investment in a condo, I can get $750 month.

I recently had a phone consult with a business advisor agency, they basically recommended the same.

I'm printing this out so I can really go over this  You'll want to adapt it to your market, but the basic principles are the same everywhere.Don't forget to VOTE for all posters with good responses:)

In Maryvale (Phoenix, next door) ( basically the other end of the spectrum,) you'd look at the basics, roof, AC, kitchen, bathroom, floors, door knobs (hardware), switches, lights and you'd change it from antique Mexican flavor to newer antique Mexican flavor, and profit about $60,000 in shorter time.

The only reason his name even came up is because of the statutory warranty deed, and the buyers’ attorney is basically trying to drag in anyone who ever touched the property to see who might pay.But the boundary fight didn’t come from anything your husband did.

If a lender takes 10 days to approve a draw or can’t fund on the timeline your contractor needs, you’re basically financing delays, interest, and change orders.My best results have come from working with lenders who:• approve draws in 24–48 hours• let you submit photos/videos instead of waiting for an inspector• understand ARV-based lending• and don’t nickel-and-dime every line itemA cheap lender who slows you down is more expensive than a slightly higher-rate lender who lets you move fast.

Keep saving as much as you can, consider high-yield savings accounts or other options Alan mentioned to get more bang for your buck, and use the time to learn the basics you've already been doing, and maybe try to find a mentor who can help you learn more about renovating.