I appreciate the ability to teach out to you with questions!

The location being Las Cruces, New Mexico was yet another sucker punch that has negatively impacted my ability to do much with the property.

Getting your real estate license can be helpful, especially if you want direct access to listings, market data, and the ability to save on agent commissions.

That's not to say you can't do well there, but I'd encourage you to look at Belton and Temple (which can also be very rough and block to block) rather than Killeen.The good news is that there continues to be serious population and job growth in the area.  

Most important to me is equity, to continue my growth. 

If there is one thing I would do different is: I would invest Out Of State in markets that had sustained growth, strong job numbers, were safe and desired, and had favorable Landlord laws. 

I start with the location info, growth, median household income, all the vestmap.com DISCERN metrics.

US population growth slows and fewer new households form, which is probably not great for RE investors; and 2. the Social Security trust fund runs out.  

The numbers are trashy now but with the right approach, resources and ability you will come out on top.

If your numbers are solid, you might even be able to cover the monthly payments out of the rehab budget.This kind of setup works best for properties that need significant rehab, and you need to be confident in your numbers and your ability to get the work done.