This is why I always tell novice investors to stop shopping for rate and fees.

Let me know if you'd like an intro.On the investment property piece, watch out for the investment property tax rates in SC if youre not already aware of them. 

Fannie/Freddie both allow up to 90% financing. https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/media/20786/displayHOWEVER, the  loan level pricing adjustments are HUGE on these loans: So, the rate and costs will be very high. 

Part of it is due to a personal family issue, but part of it is due to the high prices and rates.

We just found one that’s moonlighting on the weekends at about half the going rate.

I would prefer to pay the capital gains today as based on how we spend money as a country, that capital gains rate most likely is going to be heading up in the future not down.

Many are looking to retire or shift out of active management, especially as interest rates rise.From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, Austin's market in 2025 remains highly competitive but still has opportunities in older neighborhoods and suburban areas.

Occupancy rates are not 90%, it's seasonal, especially the mountains.

Combine that with rates that are near high for this century.  3 things could solve this 1) RE prices fall (that would be bad for me) 2) rents increase a lot without RE prices increasing similarly (this would be bad for tenants) 3) rates fall a lot.  

Next PA has very strict requirements for interest rates which you cannot be in double digits.