As far as distance and location I would have to consult with everyone so we can all meet at a common ground for convenience!

@Patti Robertson I've checked a few of those, and learned a bit more in the process. 1st Advantage said the properties were too far away to consider, though it does refinance for LLCs.I went through the initial paperwork process with BB&T (now Truist), but it ended with me failing to meet all of these requirements: DSCR needs to be at 1.40x on 15 year fixed at 6.5%stressed for SFRs, the LLC needs to be a year older, the LLC needs to have more cash reserve, and they didn't like the distance between my residence (Virginia) and the properties (Alabama)- a property manager negates that in my book.

@Julie Williams with you moving further and further away from your home area, have you considered long distance investing in a better market?

Now I am considering investing in an appreciating market perhaps a single family where I can live with my family happily ever after :-) without having to deal with any tenants and fortunately the multi family home has now appreciated substantially so I am considering investing the gains either in stock market index funds or will consider long distance real estate investing where I don’t have to directly deal with tenants.

Ideally, I'd like my first deal to be something within driving distance (2-3 hours) of Toronto if possible before I start looking for more long-distance deals; however, I'm not really set on any specific province in the long term.My main question is if you had to start your real estate journey again, and you had about a year before actually making the leap, how would you spend it?

The core 4 is David Greene’s strategy for long-distance and made up of a realtor, contractor, property manager, and lender.

Lyons is a little far, given we still need to be in commuting distance of our full time jobs.

Which platform do you recommend for listing and managing a long-term rental (from a distance)?

-Find a house hacking opportunity-Invest in a long distance propertyThe first goal, since I may need to be tethered to NYC, might be tough and could be put on the back burner.

I don't let property managers take it from there....no one will manage the property as good as you, and even property managers most often need to be managed :-)  Granted, Milwaukee isn't that too far away, but I still prefer a 5-30min distance, let alone just walking downstairs.