Over time, as the portfolio grows and economies of scale reduce per-unit costs (e.g., through streamlined property management, lower maintenance costs, and improved operational systems), we’ll have the flexibility to adjust rents strategically in a way that supports affordability for specific tenant groups, like workforce housing.Generating Income Beyond Rent:The portfolio’s income isn’t solely reliant on rents.

Highly recommend you looking into a checkbook IRA instead of cashing out.Sure you can take out the principle since you’ve already paid taxes on it but this money is supposed to be for your retirement and in a Roth your real estate can grow tax free, though check with a CPA to see if STR will trigger UBIT in an IRA.

Looking forward to growing my portfolio and connecting with the BiggerPockets community through out my journey!!

Hi there! I’m starting to dabble in real estate investing and a local agent told me this is a great spot to network and learn. Stoked to explore more. 

Like you said, you don't want to grow super fast so take your time and watch the mortgage markets.

Regards,VivienHouse hacking a 2-4 unit property is a convenient way to get started and a useful strategy for growing your portfolio!

Many of the investors that I work with have good jobs and are looking to get into REI to grow wealth not get another job.  

Talk to a CPA for advice based on your goals.Reinvestment: Instead of paying off properties quickly, reinvest your cash flow into more properties to grow your portfolio faster.Rent Increase: Look for opportunities to increase rents or add value to your current property to boost cash flow.Consider focusing on multi-family properties for better passive income.

That’s why I’m here—to connect, collaborate, and grow with like-minded investors.If you’ve been where I am, or if you’re scaling your portfolio and want to talk strategy, let’s connect.

If the numbers don't seem to make sense, consider a cheaper (but still growing market) or just keep saving until you can do out-of-state investing.