As you begin your REI journey here is one tip I have for you:Use this website as you are trying to narrow down the places you want to invest in. https://www.areavibes.com/Its awesome because it gives you a "total livability score" & you can compare different zip codes & streets to others. 

You will quickly see how you compare in all those categories.

I’d look into the cost of a 500 sq. ft. garage and compare it to the potential boost in sale price.

You're very under leveraged compared to most investors trying to scale.

We recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

I have just started looking at properties and the first SFH we toured had just had the furnace and water heater stolen! 

If you do something that is too high end or bold compared to what is available in the neighborhood, the exit could be very difficult 

Interest rates between a HEL and a refi are comparable, the equity in the property is equal to the value of the property and I only need about 50% to purchase another property.

You can leverage the first deal you bought and your experience so far, which is a lot compared to someone starting.

I look forward to seeing how this property performs compared to the properties in AR.