A cash purchase, added to my portfolio, reduces my levergage ratio on my real estate portfolio, but does not bring it to zero of course as I am not paying off existing low rate mortgages on rentals. 

Look for lenders that do "Portfolio Loans".Mike

I'm an investor here myself and own a successful rental portfolio.

I'm in a position with some equity and liquidity to start building my investment portfolio.

If you're considering the Midwest too, the lower entry costs and higher cash flow might balance your portfolio.

I'm also an investor in the local market that has scaled my portfolio to over $10K+ month in net cash flow.

That said, Anna Wynn-Smith and Brittany Horton with Portfolio are really good.

Interest income is portfolio income.

But in terms of being able to grow a portfolio with a ton of equity and solid cash flow, being a builder in this area really works.I think the STR part of it also helps as well.

I'm also a REALTOR who focuses on PadSplit primarily with many clients building portfolios of these high cash-flowing properties.