My partner is considering the same on his home, however, he still owes about 100k with 300k equity.Is this a wise strategy?

Your “don’t evict strategy” could only make sense in a market that literally hates landlords.

Quote from @Kaushik Sarkar: I’m exploring strategies to scale my real estate portfolio given the current mortgage rate Not sure much makes sense at 11%...Ouch....tough enough at 7.5%   Might have to put more than 20% down to finance....maybe 30% in North Texas.   

However, some investors don't mind this strategy if they prefer not to put a lot of liquid in up front and plan to refi out within a few years of closing (which seems to be a great option with the talks of the FED reducing interest rates this year).It really comes down to investing in a growing market, in a good neighborhood & building a great team to support you.

I realizing the duplex conversion strategy is more complex I probably wouldn't try it on my first property, just want to get a sense of what's possible in the Chattanooga market :) Thanks!

I am just curious if you are utilizing cost segregation strategies for your investments? 

What is your strategy?

OP I think you’re in a great geographic spot and potential REI strategy potential.1.  

Over this time I have acquired my contractor team and have vetted them through my job as a property manager, figured out my strategy(Off Market/Deep buying) and location.

You'll learn a lot here.I recommend focusing on 1 strategy/business model and going all in on that one until you've mastered it and it's stable.