Audrey - Dave might disagree or add more context, but I think that predicting 5-year rent growth is a bit like forecasting the stock market 5 years from now. 

We are looking to building some fourplexes in the near future in the area - when you say expand your portfolio - what are you looking for ?

Quote from @Rose White: When is the best time to ask your new / possible future tenant for a background check?

Invest in the stock market2.

Best of luck with your 6-unit deal and future investments!

Rock that for about 12 months and add some equity and then you could refi out to conventional so as you pay it down in the future the mortgage insurance will drop off.

It seems like I need to check further away from the DMV area.My feelings are if you want “cash flow” you should buy a bond (I really like the tips rate right now) there is next to no reason to buy real estate for cash flow, if you are going to buy you should buy with appreciation in mind, which is not to say that’s the route I’d go, I’ve been liquidating properties to put in stocks and money market funds over the last few years and u just did the math and I’ve come out well ahead, but just to say there are arguments for stocks/bonds, there are arguments for levered appreciation, but the cap rates pretty much anywhere aren’t worth it vs an inflation protected bond, especially since a 3/rd of inflation is real estate anywhere, you could get “cash flow” and inflation protection much easier through a tips.

Platforms like BiggerPockets, local REI meetups, and Facebook groups can connect you with investors seeking opportunities.Joint Venture Partnerships: Consider partnering with a seasoned developer or investor who can provide the capital while you contribute your vision and operational effort.Hard Money Loans: If you’ve identified a property, some hard money lenders may fund the purchase and development based on the future value (ARV) of the project.Crowdfunding Platforms: Sites like Fundrise, Groundfloor, and RealtyMogul cater to real estate developments and could be a great way to gather capital.Seller Financing: If the land seller is open to it, negotiate terms to finance the purchase directly with them.2.

One key takeaway for future projects is the value of hiring professional painters.

I think in the future you'll see businesses supplying this type of accommodation for their workers.