I don't know where you fall, but if you are aggressive, then there are lots to choose from (more than 100 deals a month) and they are very easy to locate.

The city is rapidly growing in terms of population and job market with so many major companies choosing to move and develop here like Intel, Google, Amazon, etc.

Then focus on improving your interviewing skills to help you build a solid team on the ground wherever you do choose to invest.

Quote from @Shakthi Kamal: If you don't know the answer, choose the umbrella insurance.

Then use the extra roommate rent income to pay down your mortgage and look to refi to a lower payment in the future (3-5 years) - so it cashflow when you move out.You could also choose the smaller unit and STR the other unit to generate more cash to pay down your mortgage and refi, so it cashflows when you move out.Bottom line: you'll have to get creative to solve your cashflow challenge!

If I have one property at or around market, I would choose to keep in the same or raise it a little.

There are more listings to choose from now than any other time in nearly a decade.

Choose a HELOC if the property is appreciating and cash flow remains strong, or a 1031 if you want to diversify or upgrade assets.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Start small with one property, choose a strategic location, stay transparent with lenders, and ensure tax compliance.

Low income choosing high occupancy to stay here.