I was also considering the REI expo in February so maybe I'll see you there.You're a self-proclaimed novice but I think many other members of the community would agree that you're well on your way given your potential cashflowing rental and equity.You seem to have a strong position which would allow you to keep growing your portfolio in the next few years.I'd recommend diversifying your RE portfolio the same way you're diversifying with other investments (REITs, Stocks, bonds etc.).

If they are CF positive then they will not cohnt against your DTI but will improve it...that's standard conventional guidelines barring a few exceptions.

But I said at the time that one day I’ll be in a position to take advantage of dropping prices, and I think this is the time.

As others have pointed out, you are actually in a great position!

There was also a post about preREO on BP recently which I believe is also under Jorge and those comments also were not very positive.  

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

For example, you can buy properties in the low $100k range that are already cash-flow positive or close to break-even with good tenants in place.

I feel like having such a low payment and rate make it stupid to choose selling the house, but since I haven't been in this position before, I thought I'd ask here. to d The other consideration you would want to consider is your VA entitlement if you are hoping to buy the next house with a VA loan.

•Likely, the new property wouldn’t be cashflow positive due to the market conditions.2.Upgrade to a Bigger Property and Sell•Sell our current home and move into a larger house to better meet our family’s needs.• Use some equity from the sale to make this transition smoother.I’m torn between maintaining our current home as an asset and buying  a new smaller house to use as a rental after we move back in versus simplifying and focusing on a single upgraded property Considering factors like market trends, potential equity growth, and quality of life, which path do you think would be most beneficial?

Putting people in a position where they would need to sell or come up with an alternative strategy to pay off the mortgage balance prior to rebuilding.