I will still cash flow with a 8.5% but at a low 9's I would brake even. 

I have read multiple articles of people suggesting to pay the mortgage on the middle and end of the month by braking the monthly payment in two.

I don’t want them to move back in over night..I would have to start everything from scratch, regular eviction, etc. yes they broke in, yes they changed the locks ..so what ..this is their house for the last 10 yrs and police would probably see that as a civil matter at best. what brake in .."

I understand good vs bad, but I've wondered lately if I might need to tap the brakes for a bit.

It’s a more fluid aesthetjc.

So when you go to make this first hire, the best fit is one who can move, grow and adapt with the flow, right. because it will be a very fluid position.

I sometimes run things pretty close to the line when I find a good deal or 2, but sometimes apply the brakes for a year or so when I get top heavy in my line of credit. 

But again the process is as fluid as fluid gets.

The pandemic had me pumping the brakes for a moment, but will likely be signing up this month.

PMI is not always a deal killer if you can save funds and stay cash fluid or put money towards renovations and less on the down payment.You can also use a Vacation home to buy out of state and only put 10% down but must be a single family, Condo, Townhome (No 2-4 units).