Growth is best served TRANSACTING properties to HARVEST appreciation/equitable gains for redeployment of those gains (better know as PYRAMIDING). 

Talk about self-serving!

Whether you need a CPA with just three rentals depends on the complexity of your situation and your comfort level with DIY tax prep.If things are pretty straightforward, you might be fine with tax software for now.

Will it serve you for the next say 5 years.  

I was not comfortable with the market and interest rate conditions, so I elected to hold off.

However, consider STR seasonality, local regulations, and management demands, and ensure your equity loan and new primary residence costs fit comfortably within your budget.

@Zach Denny - I agree - chances are the institutional lender won't be comfortable with an owner-financed 2nd and 100% combined loan to value.

Must be nice that those “crimes” deserve so much attention.It is my belief that most RE investors are best served initially investing near their home.

That is comforting, if I'm an investor.I still feel good about investing in Colorado locations if the area has a law on the books actively allowing Airbnb.

But even if you have a completely self-serve laundromat, problems will still occur.