Where to spend the extra for durability and sometimes having to sacrifice aesthetics for durability, etc.

If you want to grow aggressively then having the extra cash available to you today is more important.

The seller pays extra compensation to the listing agent who then splits it with your agent (this is the way most transactions were done before 2024.

That would be a helpful addition to your plan as you would further reduce your cost of living.Also don’t forget from that $600 you are planning on getting in cash flow you have taxes, insurance, maintenance, capex, and vacancy to consider.With two homes, you may want to keep that extra $20k as an emergency fund rather than spending it on a third property and then be left with no emergency funds.

Here’s some context: Property 1: >$100k in EquityValue: $325kDebt: $220k @ 2.88% (30-year fixed)Property 2: >$70k in EquityValue: $325kDebt: $252k @ 3.38% (30-year fixed)Extra considerations: - I have $15-20k liquid to use for any of these deals- My current job is relatively stable, but not high-payin- Current properties in TX, living in NY, looking to invest in Mid-West (crazy, I know)- No other debt obligations besides the two mortgagesUltimate goal/timeline: Though a bit ambitious, I’d love to build up the portfolio to 10-20 units in the next two yearsI understand that any/all replies aren't financial advice; all ideas welcome for information purposes. 

One extra month of vacancy for the MTR could erase the surplus.

But I would charge the extra 3% to cover my costs.

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

   #9  SWEETEN the POT:    Do not think that paying extra rent is going to entice owners to rent to you. 

I’m also looking into self-settled spendthrift trusts to add an extra layer of protection, especially as my portfolio grows.