But after an exchange - sign the purchase documents with one pen and pick up another pen to sign the refi docs :)Another strategy you could consider is reinvesting into multiple properties, where you purchase the first property cash (ensures some security and concentrates the equity) and the second property with a mortgage.

Personally that would be a pain to maintain and do lol

I've been looking at NC and GA recently, trying to find some entry level and easy to maintain property, but there are too many areas and it's really hard to narrow down.

@Randall King If you find the property isn't performing well, a 1031 exchange would defer the tax and concentrate that equity into something that has a greater cash flow potential, like what @Corby Goade said.

Knowledge is power:Thorough Inspections: Minimize surprises with detailed inspections and due diligence.Strong Screening: Careful tenant selection reduces vacancy and headaches.Diversification: Spread your investments across different locations and property types to mitigate risk.Financial Planning: Maintain a buffer and choose financing options that fit your long-term goals.

I am concentrated in the land development sector and multifamily.

To thrive in real estate investing, you must maintain a firm grip on your finances.

However, in areas with little appreciation, all investment capital must come from your savings.Summarizing, a city where you can achieve and sustain financial independence must have the following characteristics:Significant and sustained population growth.A pro-business environment with a metro population >1M.Rapid and sustained appreciation.If a city doesn't meet all these requirements, achieving and maintaining financial independence will be difficult.

We have concentrated our portfolio even more into a 20 minute radius.

@David Putz I wonder if someone is maintaining a list of where all the servicers are licensed...I can't imagine that would be easy to keep track of, but I don't know how often they would change.Having a resource that has all the typical fee info and service states for each servicer in one document would be amazing.