Bought the first property for $182k, currently worth about $245k, with a mortgage balance around $163k.Financing: Unsure about options.

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I have a few clients who have properties in Huntsville and they've been pleased, it hits the goals you're looking to achieve.

The next deal we found another partner, and on our third deal, our partner was instrumental because he had a strong balance sheet, but we were the operators.After the third deal, we were able to start refinancing the deals.

Balance: $26K  2/1 990 sqft 0.5 acre. 

As my CPA says though...bad news is you're paying more taxes, good news is, it is because you made more money, or I guess on the property side you achieved appreciation.Downsides-cost of entry higher than some parts of the country. 

I also felt it was extremely click bait - "Look at this baby who has 1000 rentals and achieved FIRE in just 3 weeks!!

I certainly am not implying you can not achieve your goals in RE.  

Even if the value were to decline significantly and the balance of the loan is greater than the value. 

There is no mention of the loan balance, just the rate and payment (I did the math on $513 / mo - if it's principal and interest only the loan balance would be $92,900 - so I suspect you're quoting a PITI payment).