I have a shop on my property that has a one bedroom apartment.House Hacking that for $800/mo.

Thanks What loan product are you shopping for?

. - RentReady repairs & vacancies between tenants can blow any projected ROIs.2) Warren Buffet - go where others aren't.

since purchasing the property with a 10% down portfolio loan through a local bank, I have done extensive repair work and renovations.

Paying off the notes, working to pre-emptively make repairs to capex items before they fail or become a major issue think roof, HVAC, and foundation.

I'd be able to put 20% down on each and have money left over for some repairs/updates.It seems like I'd initially take on more stress, less initial return but the long term scalability seems great.  

I can connect you guys, if you're interested in real estate shop-talk. 

You're about 1.5 hrs from both Charlotte and Raleigh, so halfway could be a good compromise if you like more of a smaller feel but still near conveniences and shopping. 4.

@Brandon Croucier is giving you solid info on finding an experienced and honest mortgage broker who can shop your exact scenario both ways, with the rehab and without and break down the benefits of each with all fees so you can see an apples to apples comparison. 

Often times they come back with a list of repairs that they would like to see to protect the home or mitigate liability. 90% of the time those items were on our list to fix anyway, and sometimes we even haven't done before we get the letter from the insurance company.