I have checked with our lender and keeping this home's mortgage will not effect qualifying for our next house.4.

We'll go check out the operations. 

It's a balance of cashflow and wealth accumulation.One of the goals is to have tenants pay as much of your cost-of-ownership as possible (loans, taxes, insurance, etc.)In high-cost areas, any Class A or B property you buy will usually negative cashflow for the first 3-5 years, until rents rise enough to cover the negative cashflow + rising taxes & insurance.Investing OOS increases your risks because you may not know the market and you can't check on everything/everyone all the time.If you move forward with your buddies, HIGHLY recommend creating a solid Partnership Agreement!

You could also check what Realtors in your market are preferred agents here on BP- they should have at least a little experience with investing and a network built up. 

Any other expenses are using up funds that would otherwise be sitting in your checking account to make a mortgage payment with.

One in year 2, and another in year 5...I was unsure of what to do so I created this offer Who did you have check your underwriting?

If you decide to invest I would encourage you to check out North Carolina.

If you don't double & triple check everything, you stand to lose money while the people promising you the world make money.  

If you spend 10-15 minutes watching every week, you'll know how to price your home.Right. which websites and platforms are good to check regularly to pretend to be a renter and shop the competition? 

Have you had a chance to check out any local meetups or REIA (Real Estate Investors Association) events?