As my wife is a realtor, we’ve helped several people from Bigger Pockets find their second home/STR.

Loan officers with 25 years of experience typically are more experienced, and have less time per file, because they have an abundance of files.Loan officers with 25 months of experience typically are less experienced, but have more time to devote to you.I can't write my own loans, so when I'm getting a loan I prefer working with less busy people when I'm doing my own real estate investment, they're more responsive and dedicated it feels like.

Hi Michael,I agree with Bruce that rephrasing other people’s content can be risky, as it could potentially lead to plagiarism issues, and it doesn’t establish your business as an authority in the field.

People have been dropped by insurance companies in wildfire areas and had to scramble to try to find insurance - some using California Fair Plan. 

If I pay it off, I could maximize cash flow earlier, reducing financial stress and allowing me to focus on other ventures or simply enjoy life more.On the other hand, I know some people advocate for keeping cheap debt and using the extra cash to invest elsewhere for potentially higher returns.Why I’m leaning toward paying it off:Security: No debt = peace of mind.Financial freedom earlier: A fully paid-off rental would give me a significant monthly cash flow?

.🌟 Pro Tip: Next time someone questions your real estate investments, ask them if they'd turn down an opportunity to buy shares in a company that:Pays monthly dividendsLets other people pay off their investmentOffers significant tax advantagesCan be improved to increase returnsCan be bought with 80% financingBecause that's exactly what you're doing with real estate!

People investing in Phoenix are seeking appreciation.

There are auctions, city grants, and financing programs designed to help people revitalize neighborhoods.

I've been sending people to a Realtor/property manager in Sacramento.

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.