It will actually be more difficult for your agent to procure a buyer off market - so the work actually increases. 

A tidy profit, plus confidence to tackle the next project solo.On the topic of self-directed IRAs: While they’re fantastic for gaining experience and diversifying into real estate over time, they can feel restrictive if your main goal is scaling quickly.Here’s what I’d focus on:Using Equity Wisely: A HELOC or cash-out refinance could unlock funds to pursue a flip or duplex without touching your 401(k).Partnering Smartly: Your realtor friend sounds like a great resource.

Working at an investment brokerage in Austin, I can confidently say it's a strong market for real estate investment.

That profit will increase over time and improve your return. 

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

.- If interest rates remain high, this is further upward pressure on rents in the near-term, as the alternative to renting - buying a home with a mortgage, is expensive - this should increase demand for rentals. - Rents are also a function of supply - 2024 saw the most new construction of multifamily units in American history (nearly 575,000 estimated 2024 deliveries of new multifamily inventory), and 2025, while not a record setting year, will see deliveries top 500,000 again - a huge supply increase. 

Whether we agree with these items or not, the following are inflationary government policies: stimulus, student debt relief, tariffs, increased child tax credits, limited immigration, and big government deficit spending.

In this era of increased rates, obtaining properties that will produce a good return are harder to find and often involve quite a bit of work.  

From what I’ve read in The Economist, demand for “off-the-beaten-path” destinations has increased post-pandemic, as travelers seek quieter, less crowded areas.In my backyard, investors and homeowners alike are increasingly drawn to areas like Gilbert and Chandler due to their exceptional growth potential and quality of life.

Ideally a HELOC is used for less then a  year project where you can refi or sell to pay back the HELOC. 5 years is a long time, things can happen and if you reduce the cashflow on both properties you'll be increasing the risk and having thinner margins.