I served as the buyer's agent and property manager for my clients under Blue Chariot Realty & Management.

@Tony SchmuckerFrom my experience of working with over 400 investors, your strategy to relocate, house hack, and transition properties to management is a strong, methodical approach.

- If so, 1031 into something bigger and easier to manage and then when you pass, the inheritor receives your property(s) at a stepped up basis - subject to Inheritance Tax limits.Otherwise, sell one every 1-5 years when you need the cash, so you can plan expenses to offset capital gains.

Next question.... will you self-manage it, or turn it over to a professional management company, or some type of hybrid? 

Use a buyer's agent that knows the market, contracts, negotiations, etc.If you really want to learn about investing, get a job in property management. 

Because you live on the property, management will be easier.

The current one lasted 8 years and needs to be replaced (as per what our property manager is saying)I heard front loaders could leak, so I typically only do top loaders for rentals.

I own one and use it from time to time, @Kevin S.The base of the Nix sits flush against the painted surface, and it has it's own internal light source.

I have been following the Real Estate Investing industry for a while and just recently decided to put my focus into it and implement a plan I had in mind for years.So I went down to Puerto Vallarta I put together a team of local realtors, brokers, contractors, property managers and a lawyer. 

As someone who occasionally works with these investors, I always try to emphasize the challenges that come with real estate like managing renovations, dealing with tenants, and navigating market fluctuations.