Additionally, strong credit, a solid track record in similar projects, and a well-detailed plan for the rehab can also improve your chances of securing favorable financing terms.

Lastly, great locations open your property up to many other opportunities (STR, "MTR", etc.) 2) For your first house hack and for future investments, having a knowledgeable investor friendly team members can make a huge difference.

Lastly when I was newer in the business I was a Land ONLY specialist I sold smaller to larger Ranch style land and depending on where it was and how difficult it was to show standard fee's in those  days was 10% and on some of my deals that were 40 miles of dirt road back into Mendocino National Forest and took someone with my unique skills with maps and compass's to even find the land I charged 20 to 30% commish on those.

Happy to connect as well

Yes, it can feel like "wasted" money on months where rent is auto-paid and there is no maintenance to be done, but when you get a bad tenant or two or when deferred maintenance finally catches up to you, they certainly earn their keep.At your scale, you might be able to get a bulk discount with a good PM, especially if you can show how well your current systems are working and how they'd be needed less than usual.

Right now, Huntsville, Jacksonville, Birmingham, and Oxford are looking promising and fit well with our goals.I’m planning to visit these areas soon to check out potential investments in person, with my partner who lives in Anniston, AL.

The value of the property will impact this as well. 

Born and raised in New York; I have been working for a contractor for a few years now and have owned my own exterior cleaning business for 4 years as well.

Lease should also state that the tenant be in compliant with HOA rules and be provided that document as well to have on hand of the HOA bylaws, rules and regulations, so that if they do have an HOA violation, they be charged that fee and correct the violation [when it's their fault].

It is usually done at the same time, but will involve asbestos testing which can get expensive.Big question is - why not just leave well enough alone?