I recommend focusing on one business and becoming an expert before branching off into others.

I'd recommend the following:1) Continue to stay at home to save up more2) Buy the crappiest home in a good neighborhood, with financial help (parents?)

Scaling up properties requires cash flow or equity, continuous education, networking, mentorship, patience, and persistence.

From my own personal experience and from others I think most reach the "tipping point" from self managing to using a PM somewhere between 5-15  units, especially if you have a W2 and want to continue to scale. 

But when it's equity gains, no tax, only at time of sale and if you 1031 Uncle Sam let's you continue to use that tax-$ for investing purposes.

They had caught some trespassers.We have continued to upgrade our security systems as capabilities have increased and costs have decreased.  

I thought I was buying at top of the market in 2020...and 2022...but prices continue to remain high. 

Thus, I'd expect something like the following for the next three years for US rents: 1) 2025 will not see much national rent growth as we continue to deliver so much supply that prices remain largely flat.

I wish you great luck on continuing to build up your farm.

Instead of throwing your deal out to a bunch of strangers on the internet, I recommend you do your research to find a local expert with 20+ ACTIVE years in real estate in your market.