As my wife and I are both over 45, we require a distinct approach to ensure we can retire within the next 10-15 years without having to work, particularly in physically demanding jobs, until our final days.

Appreciation is just the cherry on top.The last few years Toledo somewhat caught up with appreciation but I believe we are capped now.It's a slow moving market and always behind the rest of the country.There is just not enough demand/infrastructure growth like in other markets to support continued appreciation.Historical data shows the Toledo market appreciating at the pace of inflation which is nothing to brag about hehe.IMO, it's a cashflow play and you should consider building a larger portfolio because it will be safer.Owning 1-2 properties can be a "hit and a miss" and really not the providers or PM's fault.There is a high likelihood of turnover so it's important to build a larger portfolio.If you experience "drama" on 1 or 2 properties, the other 4-5 are performing and can subsidize any losses incurred on the few that temporarily aren't performing.Wishing you much success

The biggest headache I have right now is having prospective tenants not show up to their showings that have been scheduled where I end up going to the property and sitting and waiting for 30-45 minutes.

I’d think 4-5% would be sufficient for vacancy.

Once you close on the sale of your relinquished property, then the clock to ID a replacement property starts ticking. 45 days is manageable but the time goes quickly and a lot can happen in that time.

The whole self management thing is nice in theory but when you get above 4-5 units, the number of issues that come at unwelcome times becomes frustrating. it's not the amount of hours, it's the persistent distraction / attention required.

You have to identify the exact addresses of the properties you plan to buy within 45 days of your sale.

After you sell your property, you have 45 days to identify potential replacement properties.

Hey guys I am investing in Dallas Forth-Worth & Tampa area Long term rentals and I’m doing section 8 also , I am getting property with hard money loan , remodel them, and  then re fi them for 30 years , I put around 45-65K for each property I have 4 properties that cash flowing $300, $500, $1000, $250 per month I wanted to get into Multi Family - 4 plex, 6 plex and up even 8-12 units as first deal.  

I have completed over 45 BRRRR deals in Memphis since I have found this GC.