However, in Los Angeles, multi-family properties can be expensive, so you’ll need to run the numbers carefully to ensure it cash flows.A few things to consider:FHA Loan Limits: Check the max FHA loan limit in LA for multi-families.Neighborhood Selection: Look in areas with strong rental demand but potential for appreciation (e.g., Inglewood, North Hollywood, Long Beach).Value-Add Potential: Minor renovations to force appreciation will help when doing a cash-out refinance or 1031 exchange later.If you have any other questions, send me a DM or email!

My recommendation would be to choose potential markets - in several price points - that have strong rental demand and year-over-year rent increases and that also are in markets that are appreciating. 

Its market-ready condition and strong local demand made it ideal for a fast, profitable transaction, aligning perfectly with Partner Driven’s strategy of securing high-yield properties in promising locations.

We also have a very strong rental market, and that too has high demand from investors wanting to purchase. 

Central Florida, especially Clermont, Orlando, Lakeland, and Tampa suburbs like Riverview and Wesley Chapel, offers solid rental demand with strong growth.

I was also considering the REI expo in February so maybe I'll see you there.You're a self-proclaimed novice but I think many other members of the community would agree that you're well on your way given your potential cashflowing rental and equity.You seem to have a strong position which would allow you to keep growing your portfolio in the next few years.I'd recommend diversifying your RE portfolio the same way you're diversifying with other investments (REITs, Stocks, bonds etc.).

The rental market is strong due to students and digital nomads.Managing a couple of tenants would not be too hard but managing a dozen, on the other hand, would be a nightmare.I am a bit torn.

If your property management company is good and has built an internal maintenance team which has set rates and had strong relationship relationships with licensed contractor which should keep costs in control, you should never need to shop contractors on your own I wouldn't think.So in short, our policy is give us your preferred contractors upfront if you have them, but then we work all tickets to resolution including dispatch, and payment of invoices.This is of course for operational expenses.  

With a budget of $300K-$400K, you could potentially find single-family homes or small multi-units in those areas.I'd recommend researching rental demand near universities like Duke or NC State or even checking out neighborhoods with strong job growth near tech hubs.

This deal leveraged strategic financing, value-add renovations, and market knowledge to deliver a strong return.