Some investments start weak and grow more stable/stronger over time "j-curve". 

Does it make sense to hold onto the LLC, I created or start fresh once I have a stronger portfolio?  

Once you are start building your team, your funnel becomes a lot stronger and you will know immediately if a deal makes sense and if it is the right deal for you.Happy to hop on a call and share my experience!

I work with a lot of investors who own properties in Austin and their battling the same thing you are right now so they've shifted to areas like SAN, DFW, Memphis, Little Rock, OKC and Tulsa for a variety of reasons but the top are price points are lower and rents are stronger.

Once the new supply is absorbed, and we are seeing rent growth again, which supply and demand is all but guaranteeing, not only will our project benefit from stronger rent growth, but also appreciation will accelerate as more buyers will come in helping drive up prices."

The Oakland deal is attractive because you will be there to work the real estate post acquisition which will give you experience that makes you a better investor and a far stronger manager of your other real estate assets. 

I think people in this area who do commute take advantage of the easy train access and affordability compared to other areas with a stronger commercial presence like downtown Bloomfield and up through Montclair.

Just a stronger borrower bottom line....

Stronger economies generally support higher rental demand and property appreciation.Neighborhood Analysis:Safety and Crime Rates: Avoid neighborhoods with high crime rates, as these can affect property values and rental income.Property Demand: Look for areas with growing populations or proximity to employment centers to ensure consistent rental demand.Property Condition: For fix and flips or BRRR, assess the condition of properties carefully.

I can tell you the aluminum is far stronger than the gluelam data that I found:  the company presentation is reporting some strength value at 2400 psi while 6061-T6 is ~40,000 yield / ~45,000 ultimate.