I highly suggest as many in-person networking events as possible! 

Not sure if they have upgraded to desktop appraisals but if they are still doing in person appraisals , make sure you get everything (scope of work, good faith deposit, social, LLC docs, insurance, proof of prior experience, financial statements) in ASAP.

i would never tell a random person on the internet where they should live. 

In person is better than over the phone if possible, as I have been told by annoyed or lazy clerks "NO STR allowed" as that was the easy button to get me off the phone, or if they are anti STR. 

I think this is a calculation a lot of homeowners are making right now--especially if they have a low interest mortgage, equity, and their house will cashflow as a rental.The choice is a personal one of course, but I think your future self will thank you if you pull out some equity from your existing home with a HELOC for the downpayment on the next house and a cushion renting your current home, use a property manager as you have other things to do, and buy the next house and do the same thing again.

Personally, if I were to sell the stock, I would buy more property, not pay off the existing one. 

Also, the transunion credit and background check is almost $50 per person.

@Matt Solis would be the perfect person to speak to about this!

The person had something of an accent.

It can come from a personal investor who will negotiate terms, or potentially a piece of the equity.