But give yourself the time to learn, strategize, make a plan, and act on it.

These homes will serve as a strategic investment benchmark to allow for larger rental growth over the next 3-5 years.

@CJ Shade you need to be very strategic in your choice of location.

@Lauren Krainski strategically it's difficult to manage property in multiple markets.

Hello Bigger Pockets community,I have been an avid Bigger Pockets student for the past two years and have since bought my first house and strategizing for house #2.

I comp all of their deals on the front end and help strategize exit strategies for them. 

You got it right here :Maybe a house will sell for higher value, but if real money is in sale of the property, then primary residence wins over investment property <---- this is very true statement.Again to make money in real estate you do not need even to have rental, you just need to have buy and sell strategically.

See this as brand awareness, brand reputation etc. etc.Most people when doing REI, absolutely do not think logically, or strategically.

Would anyone be willing to share thoughts or information on whether or not it would be in my best strategical interest to make some purchases and get my expenses closer to my revenue? 

I'll preface this with I've been "strategically lucky" in riding the appreciation wave over the past 2 years, but there is opportunity in any market, you just have to know how and where to look, and be patient. 4/2 cabin in Pigeon Forge purchased in May 2020 with 10% down - $38k.