Focus on choosing a solid house in an area with ready tenants, don't over pay and make the improvements to be comfortable and tenant proof. 

This realtor has already set me up with automatic emails for new properties put on the market through his access to the MLS.

I think it all depends on what your risk tolerance is, and what your timeline is for how quickly you need to access the money.

If you got new ceiling fans- that's awesome, have someone check them-- but that's an improvement!     

I'm guessing it's a unit per each floor, in which case you will have challenges in accessing/modifying your supply and return ducts. 

I think having access to his connections alone has a value to it.

When you change employers within the same industry it's not a problem at all.If you are working towards improving your education/job opportunities, that's a good thing.

My goal with this approach is to use lower living expenses to improve my day job cash flow and begin house hacking where market values are low enough for me to "start small".In the spirit of collaboration, I'd love to take this chance to share the latest draft of my emerging investment strategy for feedback.My "Why" and CF Goal:I love not working for someone else, and I'd love to travel without someone counting my days out of office.

My current property manager does send statements showing monthly income/expenses and their team is readily accessible. 

-Duplex listed for $345K (two 3/1’s with yard .38 acre)-Now under contract for $325K (seller attempting to make $25K in deferred maintenance repairs)- My wife is broker- Currently rented for $2650 (7.1% CRate)- C+ to B- property in B to B+ location- We will manage- not much of a value add in near future, likey 6-8 years before any meaningful improvements- approx 170 MF units built 3 years ago and another 170 units starting now in very close prox. (1 Br is $1250).