I want to Diverisify my real estate Portfolio

[Leeana Cordero]

So I have two rentals, one being a duplex and the other a SFH. Both have mortgages, both were purchased through VA loan. I am ready for my next deal. Well actually, ive been ready for about a year now. Im all over the place right now but I ultimately want my next deal. I have a private money lender, whom i havent even gotten the courage to call yet (I know. shame on me). I really just want to know how risky is it to mortgage out all my properties? If i go with a HML I will 9/10 times have to mortgage it out to pay them back. I do not have the capital to buy cash. I am not against fix and flip, but I really want more properties. I honestly love being a landlord (I know it may sound cheesy) and rehabbing a house the way I see fit. I dont know what to do but I know I dont want to get myself in fin. trouble with too many properties on mortgages.