long story short, I will be starting grad school next year and will not be able to work while in school for the next three years.

Thanks Ned, Short answer to explain it, I did not know they were around back then, just found out now when we are coming back, a little background, when I started in 2005, I was a child :) 28 years old and thought I knew it all, all, all :), did not know about hard money lending, only new about bank loans, and Home equity lines of credit, did not know where to find more money, since I did not have much, I would rely on what I could get from banks, loans, credit cards and was not always that great, it was a learning experience.....and Wholesalers, I did not know that even existed, everything I would find back then was already on the market and through a "friend" agent, MLS, FMLS and all those, nothing like what we have today.

If your goal is to continue to acquire properties, then that leverage is going to be important and start with the properties you have (as you mentioned with the cash-out). 

@Bryan Melendezcan you start with a house hack in Florida instead?

Create a list of properties you think are very similar to yours based on their listings and use those revenues to create your estimate.Keep in mind if you are just starting, expect about a 20% decrease in year 1 revenue compared to comparable listings.

I’m ok waiting 5-10 years to build generational wealth off my LTRs.

Perhaps you could stick your job out a little while longer like I did and start building up a portfolio of rentals to provide you with enough income to be able to give you some cushion income to quit your current W-2 and make the transition to a new job you like better.

Markets closer to your back yard are easier to get started in.

Me, my partner, and our CTO are building a platform that utilizes AI for all people to sell and buy homes.

It is not a one day process...just be ready to spend some time on this phase before you start construction/rehab on your future deals.Please share your building permit  experience in City of ATL  ..............................................