While the property's location was desirable, it was evident that the house had been neglected for several years.

From our experience, it is typically within a month of their desired move-in date.

By repeating this process, you can scale your portfolio while working toward your desired monthly income goals.

Lake side homes are more desirable for short term rentals in this area but not impossible to accomplish.

Maybe we could combine our desire for a meetup in the Huntington area work on getting people to attend together.

A private lender is optimal (so you don't have to use all of your cash and can scale easier if desired) because you may not have to jump through as many hoops.

Your path will likely get you to where you desire, it will just take a little time. 

After considering some of the variables and running the numbers again, I'm looking at pulling a HELOC on the property as a way to hold on to the current property, but also have flexibility in investing in some other OOS markets.I do think Bend will continue to appreciate and grow as a desirable market so I'd like to hold onto the property (plus it has great cash flow!).

And most regret it.I'll make the opposite case: it is VERY hard to screw up when buying i.e. a duplex in good condition in a desirable neighborhood and either self-manages or hire a quality PM to manage.To any new investor who is reading this: In real estate cost and risk have an inverse relationship.

While you can't take forever and a day, because a desirable candidate has choices, deciding too quickly can be disasterous.