Even if interest rates dropped 2% points, I am very leery of the economic outlook. 

Even if you make mistakes, you have a consistent stream of income to regain the capital and start again.If you have high risk tolerant and a positive outlook on becoming an agent, your plan sounds really good.

You have to combat this outlook.

You could still get the tax deductions...rents will likely go up, interest rates will likely stay flat or decrease slightly, Austin has a great outlook long-term. 

Know the school ratings, crime stats, employers, weather outlook... location is most important piece.

Knowing where you're at in the journey allows you to switch products at different stages (IE at 4 properties, or when you get to 5, or 10, or 15+ and 20+ because pricing/terms change as you progress).I think the local banks and credit unions service another gap as their rates typically tend to be better but there are cons as well such as balloon loan features that require a refi/exit/sale at the end of 5-15 years.Depending on your strategy and outlook weaving different products can help solve your gaps in your strategy going forward.For instance, for me I didnt want a fixed term cash out commercial note so I just did a blanket commercial line across multiple APN# parcels because, we never know when a deal will come up and sometimes having interest charges with no deal doesnt make sense as the funds burn a hole in the pocket so to speak.As soon as I find a property suitable for a project I may use the lines to fund the project with an eventual commercial refinance out when it hits completion in order to pay back down the lines (reload for the next project).

This would be our first DSCR loan, and while I believe I have an idea of how it will all play out, looking forward to seeing the process.Initial thoughts when putting property under contract were [repair, Rent, DSCR c/o, hold].

So I went out, looked at a SFH put an offer in on it and bought it.

However, concerns about inflation and the broader national economic policies continue to influence consumer behavior, with a trend towards more prudent spending and saving habits observed.The economic outlook for Raleigh in 2024 remains positive, with growth expected to continue at a healthy pace.

Because it's an older house, the near-term cashflow outlook is bleak if maintenance and updates (HVAC, roof, plumbing, electrical)  have not been kept up with.