The paying off debt sooner rather than later part is essentially just being done to give us financial freedom and the ability to leave our jobs quicker.

If nothing else, you have learned a ton with this first deal and maybe also found that for you, house hacking on repeat is the better option for your path to financial freedom.  

DSCR loans, while still a relatively new product, continue to expand in use and popularity for investors looking to achieve financial freedom through real estate.

Duplex with dogs isn’t quite ideal but we’re willing to do what we need to do to get closer to financial freedom!

With the right strategy, patience, and long-term mindset, investors can achieve financial freedom and change their family's future.Good luck!

Ramit Sethi in his How to Get Rich Netflix series explains that renting offers flexibility and freedom from hazards of ownership (fire, flood, sewer backup, etc etc) and I see multiple posts on social media from people needing to fiind a rental ASAP.

I have read through Michael Blank's Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing and am ready to go on to next steps. 

You want to fine tune what the answer to this is because too many people start thinking the road to financial and time freedom is a lot shorter than it is.Find some local real estate investor meetups and talk to other investors and learn about their path while you find yours.

I am 100% confident that I will achieve financial freedom. 

That's what is great about real estate, the opportunity for FREEDOM in time and lifestyle choices.