In Philadelphia the fundamentals are strong: leading industries/employers are in the Education and Medical fields which are known to be stable, proximity to NYC and DC, national airport, port city, affordability compared to mid-atlantic predecessors.

Alternatively the other side of the city (Pikesville, Towson outskirts) still decent rentals but they are farther from employment centers.

If you'd ask this question while still employed I'd say apply the $8500 toward knocking down the debt quicker but since that is not the case I would build up your reserves to about 6 months then begin applying those funds to bring down the debt. 

(and potentially get a better deal with PM cost should we employ one).

ThanksSuhaib I'd suggest finding a broker, they have alot of knowledge and have your best interests as a goal, insurance agents have their employers best interests as a goal.Insurance in CA will continue to increase, its lagging in inflation and all the fires are affecting it.Many homeowners are moving to self insured.The fair plan is asking for 1 billion in subsidies, purported to be funded by the carriers themselves, I have no doubt Ricardo Lara will make this happen.

I'd definitely recommend considering the Columbus OH market - it's got strong macroeconomics with major employers coming in and developing here, steady population and job growth, and prices that still make sense for cash flow.

I strongly recommend consulting with an employment attorney—search for one in the area where the business is operating.

After couple more books and learning I restarted my investments to the limit of my W-2 employer match.

Many opt for other investing methods in their SDIRA like private lending, crypto, private equity...anything except collectibles and life insurance.Note that a Solo 401k is exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate so if you have self employment activity and no full time employees save for you and your spouse you should consider the Solo K as an option. 

I am just starting out and have 1 STR.Would love hear the pros/cons that you took into consideration when deciding how you want to manage your STR.Self managing STR properties, from afar, while maintaining other employment, is only a possibility because of the new technology made available in the last 10 - 15 years.