However, with high rates, the next mortgage would be very expensive, and a vacancy would be intensely expensive with two mortgages.

Hi Thomas, welcome to the Forums.Wishing you the very best!

I don't think your first property needs to be perfect, but doing the work in advance gives you the possibility of refi (in a good rate environment) or more equity on a HELOC.

Do you prefer Flips or Rentals? Or does it vary by area

I will probably do one starting again next month. 

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Next, we manually evaluate each property.

@Alvin Sylvain I agree the emotional support animals are B.S. but they are legal and we have to abide by the law.If the animal is an ESA, you are allowed to ask if the person is disabled and what service the animal provides.

I'm here in the Tampa Florida area too...

You can certainly negotiate some closing costs from the seller on the buy side.