I haven’t used the newer platforms yet on my deals, but the speed and transparency you mentioned definitely sound like real advantages — especially with how tight timelines can get here.I’m curious to see how these tools handle more complex assets, since that’s usually where traditional appraisers shine. 

With self directing somebody can make a traditional contribution (get the tax deduction), invest in a non-public asset like a private loan or real estate syndication, then convert the asset from traditional to Roth with a discounted valuation.

Non-traditional lenders usually move faster than banks, though timelines vary.

Traditional 3–5 gallon tank heaters are simple and cheap, but they keep water hot constantly, which wastes energy if usage is infrequent.

Instead, we are headed for a slow slog through the mud of limited transactions and little, to no appreciation over the near term.  

They started asking us to run their projects, too.We didn’t plan to start a GC business—it emerged from investor demand.Within two years, we crossed eight figures in construction volume.What follows are 10 lessons from doing this work at scale.Lesson 1: Photos Can Lie – Quality Isn’t Always VisiblePhotos hide the things that determine whether your rehab holds up:• Subfloor prep• Drywall taping and mud work• Waterproofing behind tile• Electrical and plumbing quality• Framing correctness• Mechanical upgradesTwo houses might look identical in photos.

I see a lot of investors find strong opportunities but struggle when choosing between hard money, bridge financing, DSCR loans, or traditional products.

Since you already understand traditional finance, adding real estate knowledge will put you in a strong position early in your career.From a tax perspective, the biggest advantage you have right now is time.

I’ve been having more conversations lately about how investors are adjusting their financing strategies with banks tightening up, rates moving around, and deals needing to close faster than ever.One thing I’m seeing: more investors leaning heavily on private money and asset-based lending, especially for fix-and-flip and short-term bridge needs.Curious how others here are approaching it:Are you using private lenders more often than traditional banks right now?

I can't speak to the entire country, but you're in VA, and I've seen quite a bit of rent-to-own in VA Beach, so this may help: For the demographic you’re thinking about — younger buyers with decent income but affordability challenges — I've seen them participate in programs like shared equity or down-payment assistance more so than rent-to-own for a few reasons: Traditional rent-to-own operates in a different corner of the market than the one you’re focused on.In many areas, like VA Beach, rent-to-own tends to show up with older, more distressed homes that wouldn’t function well as traditional rentals.