-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Along with driving for dollars, you might explore networking with local property managers—they often know distressed properties or landlords looking to sell.

If you’re looking for steady cash flow, you might want to analyze condos with low HOA fees or explore multi-family properties instead.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our financials:Operational expenses (excluding mortgage): $33k (Jan-Dec 2024)Annual mortgage payments: $58kTotal needed to break even: $91k+Income earned this year: $80kClearly, we need to bridge a gap of about $11k just to cover our expenses, and I’m exploring options to increase profitability.

@Elizabeth LebIf you’re starting with $20,000, focus on defining your goals and exploring the best options for your situation.

There is loans that cover the purchase and rehab so you could explore that.

My immediate goal is to acquire our first property and spend the next two years mastering the basics of real estate investment. ( Refining the Go and No property search criteria/ Learning the value of taxes and avoiding them as much as possible/ 1031 exchanges) Depending on my wife’s career orders, we may remain in Baltimore for 1-2 years, but I’m also exploring opportunities in West Texas, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Houston, TX.

House HackAttend as many REI meetups as you can to grow your network of investors for referrals, help through challenges you may incur but don't have experience with, and learn from proven guest speakersNetworking app like blinq to compile all of your contacts for REI in one area with phone and emailbegin conversations with local credit unions exploring what type of loan products they offer

If the interest rate is still a barrier, you could explore adjusting your deal structure or negotiating with the seller to see if there is any flexibility on the price or terms to make the deal more attractive for buyers.Overall, while the interest rate may make it more challenging, it’s not impossible to work through.

Looking for the forums help in understanding all of the different avenues you would be exploring if you were me in posting this portfolio for sale.