Basically we are looking to reduce our risk and if it defaults understand we would be coming after everything and anything.

Proactively managing tenants greatly reduces evictions and other problems.Finding a Good Property ManagerGood property managers are rare, so finding one requires a structured process:Define Your NeedsList required services based on property type and location.

I rented out the house I lived in (in nice suburb with low crime and great schools) - this Class A property is doing well 5 years rented so far, but the property tax increases are reducing my cash flow.  

Other than reduced bonus depreciation (if you're using that strategy), without any tax law changes, rates will be largely the same for 2025 as 2024, so you may not lose much by delaying receipt of the bonus by a month or two. 

Offset Gains with Capital Losses: If you have other investments that are currently at a loss, selling them can offset the gains from your property sale, reducing your taxable income.5.

Any reduction in non-mortgage debt can make a big difference in your overall DTI.Since you mentioned having funds for a down payment, putting more down on your new purchase could reduce your new mortgage payment and lower your DTI.

This is helpful and I'll need to do more research into a couple more firms to reduce the costs.

I would forget about growing the portfolio and generational wealth until your husband finds a job and you reduce your credit card debt.Credit card debt has interest rates above 20%, there is a strong case that your rentals are not generating a 20% return.

So raising the cost of a load could possibly tank demand, thereby reducing income.  

When it comes to real estate investing, one strategy stands out for its ability to build wealth while significantly reducing your personal living expenses: house hacking with multifamily properties.