Given your experience managing 138 doors, you already have a significant advantage in understanding tenant needs, property maintenance, and financial planning.Key tips:Focus on personal finances: Keep building excellent credit and maintaining healthy reserves.Financing: Explore loan options like conventional, or DSCR loans to maximize your purchasing power.Location: Research neighborhoods with strong Section 8 demand and landlord-friendly regulations.Due diligence: Analyze properties carefully, factoring in rehab costs, property management, and cash flow potential.Your expertise and willingness to learn put you in a strong position—best of luck!

I'm fine if things get drawn out weeks/months, and would not mind building personal relationships with Banks.

My team on the ground there handles everything from sourcing deals to renovation, and we've worked with hundreds of investors each year to make these properties cash flow.We’ve built up some solid relationships in Detroit—whether it’s general contractors, agents, or property managers who understand the ins and outs of Section 8.

The trade-offs are real, but for consistent cash flow and the right landlord, it can be an excellent strategy.What’s the best way to start?

Tenants pay with Zelle, PayPal etc.Only takes me a few minutes per month to put in Excel.  

A balanced approach, combining financing with a cash reserve for stability, maximizes tax efficiency, inflation protection, and aligns with your goal of retiring sooner.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

., constructive receipt doctrine, effective control over nominal 3rd party relationships, lack of genuine risk bearing and compliance with transactional terms, etc.).

That is an excellent question.

Vrbo has free price automation software.I use Excel for book keeping.I don't pay for any third party software, not really needed on 1 or 2 properties.I charge a little extra for cleaning fee than actual cleaning costs.

You already are way ahead because you are thinking relationships first, deals second.