My goal is to retire within the next 10 years, and I’m looking to build a strong and sustainable portfolio that will enable me to enjoy my retirement years. 

This provides clarity on the seller's remaining VA entitlement, enabling informed decisions about future home purchases. https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/request-coe-form-26-1880/introduction.

A mortgage lender can help determine if refinancing or tapping into equity might allow you to acquire additional properties.Consider a 1031 Exchange: If you're open to selling a current property, a 1031 exchange can defer capital gains taxes while enabling you to upgrade to a larger or more profitable asset.

@Carl Rowles as a public school teacher you may have a 403b which also sometimes offers loans!

Experience is the best teacher.

Keeping your current townhouse rented enables tenants to continue paying down the mortgage while you scale.2.

Great teacher.

As a teacher, I was excited about the educational trainings because I thought it could help me expand my understanding of real estate investing.

I understand you have a lot more experience than me (and experience is often the best teacher) but I still think I have done some things right with this property and I think it works out long term.

These low interest rates make financing property purchases more affordable and appealing, enabling investors to secure favorable mortgage terms.2.