If you plan to pay down quickly, splitting into two loans makes more sense because you can attack the more expensive loan with the extra principal payments and rapidly change the weightings, reducing the blended rate with each payment (fyi - most investment property 2nd liens will have prepay penalties).

Baldwin County has two main areas that I would look into:Daphne-Spanish Fort-Fairhope areas and the beach areas of Gulf Shores and Orange BeachThere are also multiple areas of Mobile that make for great appreciation plays:Spring Hill, 36608MidtownWest MobileSaraland is right outside of Mobile and is growing rapidly as well

But even more than that, Dallas in general is growing RAPIDLY and is a hub for healthcare entities which fits well with your line of work.With that being said, there are some great investment potential in Texas. 

Examine Midwest markets that exhibit positive demographic and economic trends, such as varied economies, inexpensive housing, and rapid employment development.Prior to making an investment in an out-of-state market, it is imperative to establish connections with local property managers, investors, and real estate experts.

I can't imagine the stress/anxiety of positioning myself in such a way where I am reliant on a W2 income to buoy n > 1 properties, keeping them afloat month after month despite receiving a W2 income, hoping and praying life circumstances don't force a liquidation, especially in a rapidly changing market where appreciation is not a guarantee as supply continues to pile up and major metro STR markets continue to find equilibrium.

Our world changes rapidly and the way to reach new customers and engage current clients is always changing.

Prospective Oregon Coast STR investors are encouraged to be fully prepared for rapid execution and to expand their search to areas that might not be of initial consideration as licensable inventory is increasingly limited. 

One strategy to rapidly increase door count would be to leverage an equity position utilizing a cash out second equity line or fixed second loan as a down payment for a new primary purchase of 2-4 units.

The insurance world is changing rapidly so I am hoping someone out there in a similar situation has had recent success. 

Then when pressed turns out they haven't sold a condo this year and the inventory is rapidly on the rise (which i already knew)..