I do feel like Haverhill is much in the "path of progress" than comparable areas like Lowell and Lawrence, so it's a city on my radar for sure.

The VA loan with the BRRRR strategy sounds like a solid path, especially for building equity without leaving your area.

If you’re doing a straight forward investment property purchase, I recommend you try to connect with an investor focused mortgage broker or lender.

Use DIY tools for straightforward cases but consider professional help for maximum savings and audit protection.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Focus on fundamentals: buy below market value, have strong cash flow (or a clear path to creating it), and maintain sufficient reserves to weather any unexpected challenges.If you’re strategic and stay patient, this market could create opportunities that lay the groundwork for long-term success.

All these areas have started gentrification path and have a lot of room to continue growing. 

Other than the 1 property I am renting my family's taxes are pretty straight forward with a couple W-2 and no LLC, so when I got the $1,700+ quote for tax preparation it seemed a bit much.

Renting it out while strategically leveraging the equity could be the best path forward.As @Jaycee Greene said, DSCR looks at your credit rather than DTI.

With Neal’s vast experience in multifamily construction, data-driven approach, and creative ways in solving problems as well as straightforwardness helped in creating the trust.

“Is this really in the path of progress?”