The Birmingham market has been showing steady growth, with increasing demand for both single-family homes and multi-family properties.

Any tips on increasing income and lowering expenses?

We had a very slight increase recently in the smaller of the two investments.

You are already succeeding by living for free, which will increase what you can save for the next investment.1-2 years later, buy another one and turn the first property into a pure rental.

We chose this area and home because of the redevelopment in the area, increasing values, proximity to major venues like Lucas Oil and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

So, yes - there has been an increase in the percentage of wraps called due. 

Instead of buying the same type of property each year, the idea is to gradually increase the size or number of units in each deal.

As population grows, housing demand increases, driving rents higher.Rapid and Sustained Appreciation: Not all cities with growing populations appreciate rapidly.

As I posted recently on BP, some of the units that I've owned included heat and hot water in the condo fee, which increased the condo fee such their fee was in the $380 monthly range. 

We chose this area and home because of the redevelopment in the area, increasing values, proximity to major venues like Lucas Oil and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.