Here's an article with things to consider when selecting a cost segregation company.

@Edgar Duarte Selling now under the primary residence exclusion avoids capital gains taxes, allowing you to reinvest the $500K equity in diversified assets like index funds or additional rental properties.

We have been around the bigger pockets community for over a decade now and have more 5 star reviews on bigger pockets than any company on this website in any industry (>270  5 Star reviews).

Start small, build a reserve fund, and work with local experts to ensure your first investment is a solid one.Good luck!

A second mortgage or HELOC might allow you to unlock some funds without losing the 3.25% rate.- I recommend avoiding condos. 

Think about an HVAC, storm damage, paying for housing if a tree falls on the roof, dealing with stupid insurance companies, etc.

I could buy it now but then I would be thin on reserves and renovation funds for the one I have not closed on yet.

And yes, you are still responsible for wiring earnest money to the closing attorney/title company when you put the property under contract.

Usually having a servicing company helps the lender to consider that.  

When I worked with a property management company, we had someone buy a unit (single family) that had a STR and marketed it as a STR.