I have the funds to out down 20% (about 100,000) but wouldn't it make more sense to let my tenant and equity pay for that?

Someone might wish to make the same cash-flow with double the doors because they generate SUBSTANTIALLY more wealth in the long run from mortgage pay-down and market appreciation with the increased doors and increased use of leverage. 4.

STR in those areas do well year round because of fall colors and ski resorts and snow mobiling if they are on a lake, but on the flip side you are paying significant more because they serve dual purpose.  

I'm not familiar with your city but I've seen similar group homes pay up to 5x the standard rent and sign longer leases like 3-5 years.

We close with attorneys who draw up all documentation, trusts, and act as escrow.

My plan was to start selling a house or 2, in maybe 8 months once the tenant pays down the mortgages a bit more.

Don't let it stop you from investing in the future. in the meantime, how much personal cash flow do you have to pay the mortgages?

This allows you to generate rental income that can help offset your mortgage payments and other expenses.Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs):Consider investing a portion of your equity in REITs, which are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate.

I'm more interested in this approach vs REITs/ syndicates, because I reckon with the right partnership, I stand to make far more by not paying such high fees on those traditionally passive options.

Note that CA tends to have higher tax rates so if CA taxes $10k of rental income sourced in Ohio at a 9% rate, but you only paid, say, 4% to Ohio, maybe you'll get a credit for the 4%, but you're likely still paying the 5% differential to CA.