With 4 properties in different location, you have 4 time more chance of RE appreciation.To maximize returns, leverage tax benefits like depreciation, mortgage interest deductions, or cost segregation while considering your ability to handle management demands and market fluctuations.

Some cities have started introducing stricter rules, so ensuring compliance upfront can save you headaches later.Out of curiosity, are you leaning toward any specific property types (e.g., single-family homes, condos, or cabins)?

So i negotiate each one as they come in as a seller it has saved us substantially..

@Chris Kay beleive you can do DSR loans without a job as they qualify the property, not the borrower.You'd still need 20-25% down though.That's where you have a decision:- Pay down the mortgage, setting yourself up for a future refinance to free up your VA Entitlement.OR- Save up for your next acquisition.Only YOU can make that decision as you have to be comfortable with the increasing debt-load risk and the additional time to manage everything.

I moved to North Virginia from NYC and saved my money. 

The buyer's agent could still receive their 2.5%-3% in commission at closing but the seller would still save on the listing side. 

It will literally save you 10's of thousands of dollars in taxes. 

For example, theirs is relatively less maintenance and comps are easier to find.If you're looking to maximize returns, typically SFH and multi family would yield better returns and wouldn't have the risk of HOA fees increasing.

Save up money.

Assuming they save $10k in interest over three years and get $10k in cash flow and $10k in appreciation, it’s kind of similar to the cash offer, but definitely more aggressive.