Securing funding has been challenging, particularly because my business documents reflect low revenue from only one duplex, and I am currently between jobs.I have identified a reasonably priced piece of land and have saved a small portion of the funds from my duplex sale to invest in this venture.

Also, after a year, the mortgage hasn't been paid down by much, especially if it's a 30 year mortgage.The only challenge you may run into is if you purchased it using a low or no money down mortgage option like FHA or VA lending.

It’s a low-risk entry into real estate with built-in cash flow potential.

That seems low with the 5 units and storage you mentioned unless they are 1 bed units. 

I found a PM called Hostex.io for the STR so far so good I could not believe the very low annual fee which was less than $90 a year.

That’s why you get a discounted interest rate and a lower downpayment, because owne occupant properties are low risk. 

I will say that during that time, the HELOC interest rates were very low.  

Plus,  if you have the ability to do another FHA 203k, it's a no-brainer.The low down payment is unbeatable, and then add on that the bank will all finance the renovation!  

Happy New Year, everyone!
Getting right to the purpose of my post, with all the relevant context: I’m 52 and living near Seattle. I have a good FT job in education administration, but I want to retire asap, focusing ...

Low barrier to entry, low taxes, landlord friendly, some amazing class A and B suburbs and a strong urban core.