Starting with multi-family rentals and house flipping is a smart approach, and taking the time to learn is a wise move to avoid costly pitfalls.

You may be profitable, but I'd prefer to avoid the possibility of having to do unnecessary repairs or not holding my tenants accountable for damage when I know their actions might have caused any unforeseen damage. 

Our biggest climate risks in central Texas are typically wind and hail, so anything of concern regarding the roof could get an applicant declined including trees too close to the roof surface, roof over 10 years old, etc.

I would avoid this business model.

I personally avoid individual showings and schedule open houses instead.

After 20 years in real estate (before DSCR loans were even around), here’s my take: Tampa and Central Florida are gold mines if you play it smart.

You could also hold it and refinance to avoid selling and access the equity gains.

Scenario 1 they don’t or refuse to move- eviction costs and/or lost rent Scenario 2 they move out and Cap ex and turnover costs, lost rent, advertising for new tenants in a somewhat of a qualified tenant shortage, headaches can be avoided by simply having a conversation with the tenant to see where their head is at, and that they understand what your expectations are.

My advice is to do more research and avoid anything where your giving any cash to anyone up front or sending out any earnest money until you have viewed the property and know the rent market. 

As a newbie, I need someone to guide me from the beginning to try to avoid mistakes and hopefully be very successful.