You Might Not Live for FreeMany first-time house hackers expect that their rental income will fully cover their mortgage, but that’s not always the case.

I'd sell #1, even if you have to take a loss on your equity.The market does go up over time, but most markets seem to be stagnant right now, so when does that change?   

Majority of the time rental properties are not something that will have an immediate return, putting lots of cash in your pocket.

That means it was never adequate for this house, as the heat strips are only there if and when the heat pump cant work if its too cold outside, but not to run all the time.

If at some point it just takes too much of your time or energy you can always turn over to PM to manage.If you think you will buy 4 this year, then that might save you enough money to buy a 5th.While I think it is great to have plans and goals, I will say most of my good and active investors target one a year. 

Random example from this week:Sell at a loss or rent at a lossOn the other hand, if you are willing to put some time in by traveling to the market, spending time getting a network set up, screening dozens or even hundreds of properties, and taking the time to get set up right, you increase your chance of success.  

I make it back a few times a year to Rochester as I still have family there.

I shopped all of my state's CU last time so I only called the top few this time around, it does seem like the best way to go about things.

One of my concerns is that lenders won't lend to potential buyers because it is a modular home.

It was one of the toughest properties we've encountered.