Hello from Kansas: networking and buy/hold strategies

[Jonathan Heather]

My name is Jonathan Heather and live in Olathe KS.  I work full time in the telecommunications field and would like to have an exit strategy. I am currently 44 and targeting age 50 for the financial ability to walk away if I so choose.

I am interested in Johnson County and Lawrence areas. Currently own one SFR in Lawrence KS that I self-manage. I am struggling with my next steps and would like any feedback on what has worked for them. I am especially interested in those that may be in my area and what does and does not work for them. Share your strategies.

• Stick with SFR or move to multi-unit?
• Realities of growing units while maintaining a full time 8-5 job?
• Self-manage or pay for management?

I also fighting an internal battle with myself of owning properties outright or using leverage. I like the idea of owning properties outright for more cash flow, however this conflicts with my goals to grow units and achieve possibly higher cash on cash returns.