I kept the rent low because the tenant was there for a long time. 

I did all my other due diligence like asking for paystubs, W2s, Tax returns, Employment verification, bank statements etc etc and did not see any red flags overall.

After a year or two we intend to buy a larger property in the same area and partner with some friends on it but I do believe a boots on the ground person employed only by you is KEY to executing anything if you are not in the country yourself.

If he must attempt to get the low interest rates of 2021 on this deal, I suggest that he instead look for assumable loans.

I have a very low risk tolerance for stock and many other market driven vehicles. 

These platforms are affordable and offer comprehensive reports (credit, background, eviction history) without you having to handle sensitive information directly.Verify Employment and Landlord History: Your plan to request pay stubs and a landlord reference is solid.

We are in a constricted market cycle, low volume, strained budgets, high costs.

Let brokerage grow, tenants pay down mortgage, and save up for another property organically (Cons - slow growth, waisting equity// Pros - low risk)2) Cash out the $300k brokerage account, pay off the townhouse, start cash-flowing $2,400/mo, and save up for new investment or 1031 into multi family(Cons - cap gains tax on cash out, high Oregon income tax penalty, hard to find deals being $2,400 monthly cash flow) // Pros- cash flow, increased leverage into large investment)3) Cash out $300k brokerage and put into separate Multi Fam property, hoping for $2,400/mo+ cash flow, keep townhouse rented as is (Cons - cap gains tax on cash out, not utilizing equity PROs - increase portfolio value, higher upside with value add or rent increase on new units?)

I too have feelings and thoughts about the programs.After I get past my feelings, I have found that I consistently get paid and vacancy is low. 

They said that was too low for them, so I offered $175,000 and they accepted.