The latter would be much faster to overcome.Aside from interviewing PMs, what are some good ways of identifying markets relevant to me and my goals?

So far we've spent $1850 on two different exterminators combined but at least the house can begin to get worked on.I am used to working at a faster pace and hiring contractors to get things done.

Quote from @Lucas Schlund: I have been having a very hard time getting a straight answer to this question, probably because im having a hard time wording it right, so just bear with me here.For my first deal, I plan on BRRRR'ing out of it to build my portfolio faster.

They will learn faster if it costs them money. 

My other thought was to find a flip job for faster cash.Is there other ventures or financing ideas I should be considering?

You wont' get rich from it but you can scale much faster. 

As long as there are no outstanding repairs, I don't see anything wrong with paying off that loan faster. 

I have new builds in Dallas as well, that move a litttle faster, yet still pretty slow. 

The faster you find a replacement tenant, the less the departing tenant has to pay.

Thus paying it off faster.