If you intend to grow your investments you must force your money to earn it's keep and let your tenants pay the mortgage.Additionally equity is always at risk in the event of a market down turn where as a leveraged property that does go upside down will still be making positive cash flow.  

I've been researching real estate investing for a couple months now. My plan is to start wholesaling until I build up enough capital for buy and holds/rentals. I plan I having financial freedom and will not rest until...

Does this mean growing your portfolio is the only way for increased cash flow?

Further, “we’ve seen growing signs that flippers are getting increasingly good at buying properties at a discount while the premium they’re selling for has remained mostly constant,” the report notes.

(It's also becoming peak rental season so there is more inventory)BUT Tampa is still growing.

I plan on doing this by growing a large portfolio as quickly as possible while being careful not to over-leverage myself.In order to grow my portfolio as quickly as possible without over-extending my debt, I will create equity through value add opportunities.

I am looking for someone to help me along the way but also help me get into my first property so that I can grow.

For example, I personally focus on cash flow so I look for markets that have low property taxes, landlord-friendly laws, and a growing economy(more rental demand). 

As the brand grows, so does the competitive advantage over other landlords that don't take as good of care in maintaining their properties.

You'll win some and you'll lose some, and you'll grow.