Covering this with my salary is relatively comfortable.  

Whether you need a CPA with just three rentals depends on the complexity of your situation and your comfort level with DIY tax prep.If things are pretty straightforward, you might be fine with tax software for now.

I’m not sure where you’re from or how long you’ve lived in Texas but I highly recommend moving out of state and out of your comfort zone while you’re young enough to easily be able to do so.

However, consider STR seasonality, local regulations, and management demands, and ensure your equity loan and new primary residence costs fit comfortably within your budget.

I think the before vs after pictures really speak primarily to your experience and ability to execute a project so it can help lenders gain comfort with future projects and allow you demonstrate what level of detail you except out of your contractors.

If so maybe research who financed those deals since they're likely already comfortable with that concept in your market.

I went from barely breaking even to walking away with a very comfortable profit.This experience taught me two critical lessons:Never give up when the situation looks bleak.

so those owners are pretty comfortable - no mortgage payment - and they don't need to sell, and they don't care where an investor "needs" the price to be to make money. 

Hi Sean, I wouldn't rush into anything that you are not comfortable with the numbers.  

@Zach Denny - I agree - chances are the institutional lender won't be comfortable with an owner-financed 2nd and 100% combined loan to value.