You have both proven that you're likely to have some success - even if it is try, fail, and adjust. 5 years from now it likely won't matter which option you chose.I'd hate to walk away from the business and get nothing. 

Learning to adjust away from my overly conservative mindset. 

This stability can significantly enhance the quality of life for tenants, offering a sense of peace and financial predictability.However, as a landlord, this 5% cap limits my ability to adjust rents based on market conditions and rising costs, thereby reducing profitability.

In addition, the section 121 exclusion does not apply to the gain allocable to the residential portion of the property to the extent of the depreciation adjustments attributable to the residential portion of the property for periods after May 6, 1997 ($3,000).

I learned as I went and made adjustments to overcome hurdles.

I am located at Central Florida area, and I believe that even with the high prices, higher interest rates and huge supply of real state down here, still out here many great opportunities.The market still hot, we just need to adjust the approach..... at least are my guts feelings.v/r

It is pretty rare but it does happen.Its important to note though, because many assume they can get an agent to adjust that commission if they as a buyer do not have an agent.

Would not do manually or be in the business otherwise.Great investment.

We had to scramble to reassess and adjust the financing terms quickly.

Using the 50% rule (taxes, insurance, Capex, maintenance, vacancies, property-management), that should give us ~19K/month in pre-tax profits that achieves our 10k/month financial goal after-tax and adjusting for inflation.Our assumption is that building new-construction would reduce capex & maintenance the first few years.