The only reason I left Cozy is because when it switched to Apartments.com they dropped all commercial rentals.  

There's no way I could keep a tenant in the unit while renovations are being done, and frankly the current tenants are not ones I'd be upset if they left.

After thinning over 20 years, 1 out of 7 will be left for harvest.  

This is the first home that I am landlording and the first tenant was amazing, I was sad to see her leave but happy because of the reason she left was a good one.I am looking for advice from you seasoned pros! 

Your plan to house-hack and reinvest is solid stay focused on properties that align with your financial goals, and you’ll build a successful portfolio over time.

Also, beyond property prices, which city aligns better with your long-term goals—whether it’s cash flow, appreciation, or a mix of both?

Personally, I follow this standard for every application I receive:- Income of at least 3 times the monthly rent (verified through the employer)- Credit score of 580+- Rental verification with past landlords (no outstanding balances, no late payments, and the property left in acceptable condition)- No history of collections, evictions, or criminal offenses- No overdue debt (except medical debt)This process has helped me place quality tenants over the years.

They also left the house a mess.

I generally try to put my October through January lease starts on 18 month initial terms to better align with more favorable leasing periods when the units come back to market.

Also, check if they have skin in the game (their own money invested), as it shows they’re confident in the deal and aligned with your interests.If you’re considering alternatives, REITs are fantastic for super-passive investors who want steady, low-effort returns—usually about 2 points above a savings account—but you lose tax benefits and control.