@David LewisRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

It could entice you to buy when you are not financially ready to buy.  

@Ashish AcharyaYou're merely reproducing the IRS position, the one I specifically challenged.

Prioritize your financial stability.

I'll let others chime in on their experiences, but from a motivational perspective, I think attending live events and getting the "conference high" is something that only happens through in-person connections and being in the same room with investors who are eagerly pursuing their real estate/financial goals. 

Here’s some context: Property 1: >$100k in EquityValue: $325kDebt: $220k @ 2.88% (30-year fixed)Property 2: >$70k in EquityValue: $325kDebt: $252k @ 3.38% (30-year fixed)Extra considerations: - I have $15-20k liquid to use for any of these deals- My current job is relatively stable, but not high-payin- Current properties in TX, living in NY, looking to invest in Mid-West (crazy, I know)- No other debt obligations besides the two mortgagesUltimate goal/timeline: Though a bit ambitious, I’d love to build up the portfolio to 10-20 units in the next two yearsI understand that any/all replies aren't financial advice; all ideas welcome for information purposes. 

I originally wanted to do a quad but financially I know I can’t fund a project that large, unfortunately.

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

You are dealing with your first eviction/rehab but if that happens again in 6 months and it takes months to evict will that financially stress you?

With that in mind, I’m considering purchasing four rental units over the next four years to build a stream of income that could help supplement my retirement by age 68.The challenge I’m facing is that the deals I’ve come across so far don’t make financial sense.