If you're new to real estate investing and looking to get the best value, I'd suggest considering **house hacking** using an **FHA loan**—it can be a great option for first-time buyers.

You are also very susceptible to damage during storms.

Not the best time of year and we're in an emerging market area about an hour outside of Charlotte, NC.30Y DSCR c/o Refi's have already been done on every eligible property after rehab / 3 months seasoning.As more of our properties come up on 1+ yr of ownership, despite losing likely future appreciation of 25-30%+ annually and paying a 5% PPP, I are open to selling some houses off to start paying off much of the high interest debt accumulated outside of mortgages. 

Successful investor don't come out of pocket very often.  

A real estate company told me the house needs too much work to rent out, and that an auction is the best course of action.

Knowing that area very well, I would say keep the garage.

Most gurus who scam people have very fine print allowing them to cut you off for calling them out.

I would consider selling, i’m not necessarily saying you should, BUT only hold if you have a very strong belief in the appreciation of this property. 

Sometimes patience is the best thing to apply if you already own an a house in an area that will appreciate well with time.

First pro is you learn how to be a landlord and to manage properties and this is the best way to get started into real estate investing.