While I love the idea of eventually owning a paid-off primary residence, I’m debating whether it’s smarter to sell our current house and use the equity as a down payment on the new home or to keep it as a rental.

Quote from @Lambros Politis: My real estate portfolio, located in the Pacific Northwest (technically a primary, A/B class market), still presents tenant headaches.

My financial standing: Income - 130k W2 Credit Score: 690-710 (depending on when it's pulled)Debt: 330k VA Loan on primary residence, Car Loan $11k and no credit card or student loan debtCash: 30k Children/dependents: NoneI'm looking to be an out of state investor as my local market (Las Vegas, NV) is out of my price range and decided on Kokomo, Indiana to get a property around $100k-130k.

.- **Scaling Can Be Tricky:** FHA loans are typically for primary residences, meaning you’ll need to strategize if you plan to purchase additional properties.Thinking through financing options and backup plans before you buy is essential.### 5.

Why not look at "flipping" your primary residence and sell it rather than rent it? 

I have used HELOC's and Stock Margin to purchase properties before since my wife and I no longer have a W2, DSCR loans will be the primary resource.

Bridge Loans or Mezzanine FinancingShort-term financing can cover the down payment:✅ Private lenders: High-interest, but great for acquisitions✅ Mezzanine loans: Secondary financing sitting behind a primary loan✅ Cross-collateralization: Leverage equity in your existing motel or rentals4.

Your primary insurance policy with $300,000 in liability coverage should be sufficient in 99.999% of all lawsuits.5.

Your wife and her sister could then apply for a HELOC on the property, using the funds for investment purposes.If you are the primary investor, the new property should be held in an LLC, with your wife and her sister as the members.

Lots of books have had a huge impact on my mindset and fueled my passion for growth.