With a purchase price of $250k, your rent is WAY too low!

@Hank Bank BRRRR is probably want you want to do.Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refi, Repeat.Before you go all in and either find out you don't like being a landlord or you make costly mistakes, start with just the next one.You'll have some challenges with tapping the equity in the townhouse:1) What loan amount can you qualify with your credit & income?

Then the prices lower towards the date and you end up booking at a low price or worse just being vacant.I think manually pricing your STR'S is a much better approach.So many people are looking for the next cool software app to buy a subscription to.

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

A cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be powerful tools to keep your momentum going.Focus on Stability:Look for investments in areas with strong job markets, population growth, and consistent rental demand.

To be more specific about what i'm looking to do: My 1-2 year goal is to employ the BRRRR strategy with SFHs and Condos by buying distressed / highly undervalued properties that need work (preferably all-cash) in low crime areas with strong rental demand, renovate them within budget (again preferably all-cash) and get them rent ready before refinancing them at the highest ARV possible.

Especially in today's high interest rate environment, a low income buyer is usually going to be better off renting than buying.

This is all indicative of a low interest rate environment. 

Low taxes, low crime, low homelessness, friendly people, all 4 seasons, etc!

You need to build your credit.