Michelle:
Good afternoon, and welcome to BP! Here's some food for thought:
Before you make your first rental investment, meet with a mortgage/financial professional. They'll ask you to share your short- AND long-term goals, and then they'll help you construct a plan that will do two things:
1. Achieve your short-term goals that will produce proceeds and resources that will,
2. Give you the wherewithal to pursue and achieve your long-term goals
Many investors start off "too hot", and they either overdevelop their first property or they spend their money too fast - either of these behavior will stop you dead in your tracks, and you probably won't even be able to achieve your short-term goals - and you certainly won't have the resources to pursue your long-term goals. Since you're not paying a mortgage pro for consulting, it's in their best interest to give you a solid plan so you're successful.
I wish you the very best!
Grant