Financially renting is smart right now but if you want to buy do it. 

I'm a beginner with one rental property and looking to expand my portfolio smartly in 2025. 

In a way it sounds easier to me than investing in my business, because I've struggled scaling my business with paid ads (which is the main investment I could make on it) and because with real estate as long as I don't try to play smart (by buying a foreclosure or a fixer or something inherently risky) and if I keep it long enough, then chances are that it would make money in the long run.. don't you think?

I like TurboTenant for it's simplicity (and I'm pretty sure it's still free..)I have a client who is a smart-computer-guy not unlike yourself, he has a system for analyzing deals in bulk.

Adding livable space or smart home features can significantly boost home value.

I offer WiFi and smart TVs.

Saving until 2025 is a smart plan; use the time to build your down payment and research financing options.If you need help running numbers or exploring financing, let me know.

Currently, I am using Airbnb smart pricing.

You don't want sketchy areas because you will get crappy tenants and smart females won't want to live there (too dangerous at night).

If its a log cabin it might have trouble qualifying for the refi - would be smart to get some opinions early if that is your gameplan - would likely be a bigger potential hurdle than the gift/original purchase process