We're based in Tampa and, in addition to personally investing, I own a mortgage company that provides financing for tons of investors.

Investing close to home allows you to gain hands-on experience, learn the ropes, and be more involved in the day-to-day.

Notice when I spoke of London STR I used the words "gain control of a property" and NOT "buy a property"???? 

I've seen flippers run into last-minute delays selling when the title company notifies them of the need for additional documentation late in the process.

You didn’t mention the property or deal specifics, but for many deals in the recent years, there have been amazing and unusual gains due to multiple unnatural circumstances.

For example, let's say you are guaranteed a 7% pref and the property delivers exactly that, but then sells with a capital gain. 

@Kleyn LopezI have referrals in the San Diego area if you are in need of additional CPA recommendations.

Thus, my main goal joining this forum is to try to gain confidence in the decision to get into real estate investment and better understand the risks that I may not be considering due to my lack of experience in the field.

Additionally, the price point is still cheap enough to find the 1% rule and positive cash flow and it's super landlord friendly (so you will never have to go through a 12 month eviction or anything close to that!).

Is it better to sell, pay off mortgage and capital gains and take the cash to invest in another property or is it better to refi/ETO and take the cash to invest in another property?