Research crime rates, school quality, and future development plans to ensure you're investing in a promising area.Establish a reliable network of local professionals, such as real estate agents, property managers, contractors, and inspectors.

They are a great way to find potential real estate agent, lenders, contractors, partners, etc. 

I think DSCR Loans are definitely in your future as you continue to grow your portfolio but probably not the best fit here:-Can strictly not use DSCR for any property you live in - would technically be possible if you moved out, leased up the unit you are currently in and provided good documentation that its legit - but this is a firm non-starter for DSCR (absolutely no occupying the property)-DSCR Rates at best are in the sixes on a cash-out refinance - so you would be doubling your interest rate at least on the current property - which could make sense but its a pretty high hurdle.

I was more wondering how people are able to finance 100% of the deal so I could potentially start doing more at once / be able to tackle larger projects.

Most folks know about BiggerPockets at this point, and you are potentially giving the other side an Exhibit A on why you shouldn't win.   

Don't know what the future holds, but the appreciation has been great over the past five years in Toled0.

The new tenant income will further strengthen my financial position.While selling the properties is not my preferred exit strategy, the quiet title process should be completed by July 2026, allowing for a potential sale if refinancing is not feasible.

If it goes through in the future, that would be on the bank.

how do you know if a neighborhood has potential of going up in price?

Pretty good potential upside, but better than even potential you lose the money.