This setup alone feels like a solid foundation for financial freedom.Here’s my dilemma:While I understand that my mortgage interest rate is very low (2.8%) and there are tax benefits to carrying the debt, I’m wondering if it might make more sense to aggressively pay off the loan.

I would say Dallas is a solid place to start right now.4) Once I've lived in the property for the obligatory year, is that typically long enough to refinance and use HELOC towards my next property? 

I don't recommend throwing the baby out with the bath water, and definitely make sure you understand the nature of the Mentor you choose.BP is a great resource to meet some amazing people. 

Back when I started investing, I found it helpful to prioritize understanding the nuances of each market, and Pittsburgh is a gem for steady cash flow opportunities.Here’s the deal: a $100 monthly cash flow might seem underwhelming, but context matters.

I understand Vermont has slightly more stringent regulations to contend with but it would also be closer for us geographically and thus potentially easier to manage.

A solid property management team (or maybe multiple PMs if your portfolio is large enough) is a must for out of state investing.

You really want someone that invests in their market themselves and understands the numbers.

I would love to connect and pick your brain a little more to understand structure of these loans! 

Thank you for understanding. 

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.