Their book is super helpful, and so far I'm guilty of at least half of all the newbie mistakes they talk about, so I expect my rental operation to improve as I implement their advice over the course of next lease term.

You'll see rate improvements at 25% and 30% down for most loan products.

You need to do renovations, improve the property, and drive up rents.

I am coming near the end of this project and have already started plugging in some new addresses to run comps and get a jump on the ARV calculations to improve my experience going forward.

However, if interest rates continue to decline, I might consider refinancing some of them to improve my liquidity position. 

Buying quality assets with a larger amount down, making improvements, and paying off debt could get you there relatively quickly. 

This is more about riding the wave of a growing market.2.Forced Appreciation: Actively increasing a property’s value through strategic actions like renovations, raising rents, or improving operations.

While I don't see it on the IRS tax information, if I remember from the conversation with him, I think you have to buy properties that need significant improvement. 

By this time next year, we aim to have invested in our first rental property and improved our credit, setting a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.I am open to any knowledge or advice anyone has to give as I am currently learning about real estate investing. 

Focus on value-add properties where improvements like renovations or better management can increase returns.