The guy who runs it lays it out like this..1-5 rentals you are still doing okay, have more stuff come up between all rentals the closer you get to 5 or at 5.

Hopefully you have a better streamlined build on the next one.

I have dogs and have had 3 leather couches over the years.

I'm currently trying to build my list of interview questions that I would/could use when it comes to screening and finding the right Real Estate Agent.

Most lending is based on cashflow, not the 2% rule (although still a good rule of thumb for some types of investments), might have the most help from the group if you provided some of those details here just so it'd be easier for us to help you best. 

You'll likely also reduce your cost of living by moving to a stabilized apartment.Depending on the cashflow and debt paydown, you can use this strategy until you've built enough equity to reinvest.On the other hand, getting into a multi-family after refinancing will also help you build substantial equity to rinse and repeat in the coming years.

Throughout my back and forth with real estate, I've always come back to small multifamily properties.

I will back it up with sound logic.  

The Big Razzle Dazzle PM's are horrible when it comes to building your portfolio, they are better when it comes to managing an already performing large portfolio.

You didn't write how much 'sweat equity' you put into this place, but it was likely well worth it given the $400K cash out.