Deal acquisition is an art, so dig in and make sure the deal is good and make sure the numbers at up to what you think is good! 

An activity is a personal service activity if it involves the performance of personal services in the fields of health (including veterinary services), law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, or any other trade or business in which capital isn’t a material income-producing factor.7.

A more holistic approach that is more art (experience, knowledge, and feel) than science (spreadsheets), but it comes with time.

There is no true "science" to it and it is a bit of an art, but to answer your question, you are doing all the right things, and I would not let 2 rentals that have been on for a long time stop you. 

It seems like there is a bit more going on there in the summer with whitewater outfitters, art festivals and more of a mountain biking community.

You need to master the art of doing a few and then take on multiple projects once you have systems down.

It's a place where you'll learn how to buy businesses, master transaction coordination, nail the art of underwriting, understand comps inside out, and even get creative with your finances.

You can find it by looking up Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing in the forums here.

Hi Art, when buying real estate in a Self Directed IRA it's typically recommended the property is paid in cash and holds no debt.

Art Cost Basis Rules Clarified by IRSBy: Spencer M.