-Opportunity cost: A 7% interest rate isn’t great, but if you think you can achieve returns higher than 7% by buying another cash-flowing property, paying off the mortgage might not be the best use of funds.Now, let’s explore saving to buy another property:Investing in a Second PropertyPros:-Diversifies your portfolio, reducing risk if your Palm Desert STR underperforms or faces challenges (e.g., stricter regulations or lower demand).

I am exploring this option now and just learned about it. 

If you’re looking for short-term cash flow, you might need to explore nearby markets with lower entry costs and higher cash-on-cash returns, even if they aren’t as familiar to you.

Explore multifamily or out-of-state investments for higher yields.Setting up an LLC provides liability protection but has no tax benefit for you now.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

If not I would explore house hacking.

House HackAttend as many REI meetups as you can to grow your network of investors for referrals, help through challenges you may incur but don't have experience with, and learn from proven guest speakersNetworking app like blinq to compile all of your contacts for REI in one area with phone and emailbegin conversations with local credit unions exploring what type of loan products they offer

I am acutely exploring new construction options in NC right now, I would love to connect it seems you have a lot of know to share :)

My immediate goal is to acquire our first property and spend the next two years mastering the basics of real estate investment. ( Refining the Go and No property search criteria/ Learning the value of taxes and avoiding them as much as possible/ 1031 exchanges) Depending on my wife’s career orders, we may remain in Baltimore for 1-2 years, but I’m also exploring opportunities in West Texas, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Houston, TX.

You can learn a lot about areas and rent rates without asking a PM so explore that first

A PMC is the ONLY one that will deal daily with your property.Here's some copy & paste advice on hwo to screen PMCs:Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.