This could work well if you’re looking for steady monthly returns and don’t mind managing tenants (or hiring a property manager).Selling could also make sense if you’d rather use the $500,000 to diversify into other investments, like buying multiple properties or even a short-term rental on the lake as you mentioned.

I don't ever recommend someone buy a property having never seen or been there.It sounds like @Dustin Hagemaier would be a great resource for you.

It's mostly Class A properties, a few Class B.You may find the below copy & paste info useful in addressing your question:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Nobody forced you to buy a property as a investor you are entitled to do your own research and due diligence.

I am buying it furnished. 

Dscr will be useful in the future for fixer uppers and unique buys. 

My method has always been to call every listing that hit 90 days on market in areas that I want to buy.

Increase income, decrease DTI, and buy a home (i.e., get a higher paying job, work two jobs, go to trade school, get a higher paying degree, live in affordable area, etc...these are things that most of us did).

We are starting to explore options for buying his shares to eliminate him as a risk and a roadblock but still have funds leftover for growth.

It is exciting to think about having a big stack of cash to invest in something, but what if that something doesn't advance you the way your property does since it grows in value AND provides income.Maybe the $800/mo cash flow can be your seed money for stock you want to buy...?