Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

We are more conservative investors at this stage and plan to using our cash to pay for the properties.

Congratulations on your recent investment.Moving new residents is a perfect opportunity to form rapport and set the stage for how your landlord/tenant relationship will proceed.We love to meet them at the property on or before move-in day to go over a couple critical items:We walk the home together and address any existing cosmetic issues and any open maintenance items.

It is a possibility that my Mother would at this stage gift me the down payment to take on a second primary residence loan but we are still discussing. 

People are at different stages in their real estate journeys, in their life, in accumulating wealth, etc. 

The payments should be covering the interest (and most of the payment in the early stages of the loan goes to the interest). 

The next stage could be a cosmetic BRRRR, that way you can learn to scale your rental portfolio.

I am in the preliminary stages on one in Yonkers as we speak.

This entire process demands a good deal of time commitment, from staging your home to aligning with potential buyers' schedules. 

Choose the right deal first, use OPM, do not put all your time in it, find better neighborhood, never live in the house which is in the rehab stage!