This would obviously reduce my cash flow on both properties, as I would be paying the minimum HELOC payment plus extra towards the principal to pay it off quickly.

I've been living in my current house hack for ~1.5, and I placed my tenants in September 2023 (lease is up at the end of August).

I live in California but am looking to invest in Texas, Alabama.  

With the extra cash flow, you could strive to acquire additional income-producing properties over time.

Tenants should be paying the owner.Do you also live in the house?

Not to say you cannot do well, but it’ll take some extra TLC. 

An in-house attorney would focus on resolving issues efficiently rather than driving up fees with extra billable hours, which can happen with outside firms.That said, I’m questioning whether this is the best perspective.

This is where you live in one side.

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

I'm living in the Los Angeles area and have my projects here.