Plus, having a fully paid-off property could be a nice safety net if the STR market takes a hit or occupancy slows down.On the flip side, if you’re eager to grow, saving for another property could be the better play.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

I feel as though I am more on the introverted side.

Without knowing any of your financial position of your work or side hustles it is hard to give you exact advice because you may be able to carry these homes until they are paid off and in that case they would provide solid returns, but there are likely better real estate investments out there.  

I grew up on the east side of the town with a well versed knowledge of the neighborhood.

If you're going to work with contractors, collect rent from tenants, or try to bed the hot chick at the bar, you better learn to recognize warning signs and get out early. 

Can you buy a duplex in Arkansas and live in one side just to get your feet wet and make sure you like the area?

Quote from @Jonathan Grzeszczyk: Soon I am taking a job with a wholesaling company on the acquisition side of the deal. 

In the stages of working the acquisition side of wholesaling, making cold calls since late September 2024.

On the positive side, it seems like you have a good potential BRRRR that you can use to purchase additional properties.