However, if interest rates continue to decline, I might consider refinancing some of them to improve my liquidity position. 

Focus on value-add properties where improvements like renovations or better management can increase returns.

Lord knows there are a lot of fancy, online GP's now with beautiful websites, YouTube channels, and 10 people in their investor relations department but only 1 inexperienced guy in their acquisitions who couldn't underwrite a lemonade stand.good luck :)

While I don't see it on the IRS tax information, if I remember from the conversation with him, I think you have to buy properties that need significant improvement. 

By this time next year, we aim to have invested in our first rental property and improved our credit, setting a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.I am open to any knowledge or advice anyone has to give as I am currently learning about real estate investing. 

Consider properties with value-add potential to boost rents and improve cash flow.Good luck!

Quote from @Bruce Schussler: A lot of Podcasts and Youtuber's say to cash-out refinance to keep rents balanced with payment; (PITI) then use those funds strategically to re-invest either in more real estate or just put into a high interest bearing account or money market account...Here's some of my thoughts and comparisons;Cash-out refinance with new loan so rents balance with payment:- The cash-out refinance is 100% tax free- The funds can be put into a money-market account off-setting a portion of the interest charge of loan- The loan balance gets eventually destroyed by inflation- The liquid cash eventually gets destroyed by inflation - The interest on the new loan can be deducted from the rent income- The refinance costs are 3-4% of the total- There is less equity in the property and LLC that can be attached in case of a lawsuit- The break-even on cash-out refinance with current interest costs on the new loan is around 12 years Vs.Paid-off property with positive cash flow:- The positive rent income is 100% taxable minus only depreciation and property tax- There is more equity in the property and LLC that can be attached with a lawsuit- The break even is not until after 12 years at today's interest rates- There is a rate risk in today's inflationary environment where interest rates on bonds keep rising*It appears to me that the cash-out refi is in the best interest for a property investor; (Dave Ramsey would strongly disagree!)

If I get called to change a light bulb, which has actually happened to me, I give them a checklist of things that are expected to be done by the tenant, including changing light bulbs, I also gave them a link to youtube  ;)

We got bank financing for the land purchase and contributed (almost) enough cash to complete the improvements.

Playing it safe might mean walking away if the numbers can’t improve.