For example, I hate to sell anything, but I am selling two properties to raise funds for a new primary that meets my goals.Study the market and really lock in what it will rent for.

Hi Chris, As financing costs will be a big factor in determining profitability, you should be asking HMLs for proposals to fund. 

I am 59 years old, and my retirement fund is all in my 401k.

With the idea you get your 6k back when fund deal/deals  MLM all the way sell the futures and the deals that Cogo did pay me off on as you stated took forever to fund and the rates were even higher than mine :)  Its just a very good Guru selling his stuff we all know they make the money selling the 6k how to become a lender. :)  

In both cases, having a property manager who can adapt to the specific needs of each asset type is essential.I believe that the best property managers understand that profitability and customer experience are not mutually exclusive—when both are done well, everyone benefits.Thanks for bringing up this great discussion!

Would it be worth exploring the possibility of partnering with an investor somehow to help with funding?

Same goes for number of LLCs and what to fund them with, since bear in mind that CA tends to be more cumbersome and expensive to have LLCs than other states.California is generally more cumbersome than other states when it comes to taxes and filings.

And then monthly by check or if you don’t trust them certified funds or EFT. 

I am in it and feel it is worth it as they have groups all over the country who, with experience transaction coordinators and funding groups, and even closers to help you along the way.

If your first home cash flows well as a rental, consider keeping it and using a BRRRR strategy, cash-out refinance, or HELOC to fund your next deal instead of selling too quickly.