Major metros pose certain challenges, as everyone has heard. 

It's definitely challenging but there are lots of people doing it in Canada.

If you have the cash to make a lump sum payment and are happy with your current loan terms, recasting could be a smart move to improve your financial flexibility.

So, I'm looking to invest in other markets and trying to focus on one or two so that I can build knowledge over time, but narrowing it down is a challenge. 

@Ana Escudero Property insurance renewals have been challenging the past few years, but there’s some stability with carriers heading into 2025.

This ensures you lock in better terms based on the improved cash flow.

You could have as well restructured deal and provided deal improvement instead of trying to milk 5-6+% commissions on the new deal from invetors.

That loan will cost you around $800/month for 30 years.I think this improves things, and your only loss would be the cost of the equity loan and the payments you've made so far on your IRA and credit cards. 

What are some areas in the state that wouldn't present any challenges in finding a tenant? 

Quote from @Michael Smythe: We're far from perfect, so our 2 cents should be taken lightly.Most of the national companies are setting up franchises and the challenge is with the individual franchisees.