@Vincent KeeleReal estate investing can be a smart move for those facing challenges in Seattle, such as stringent renting laws and high costs.

How do I approach it in a financially smart way?

Idiots with cash overpay and it prices out the smart investor.You'd have to acquire properties at the auction/sherif sale level. 

Our company, Smart Property Systems used to use Forte for payment processing of rents. 

Sellers, this is your moment to get creative—focus on pricing smartly and making upgrades that will set your property apart from the competition.

The fact that you've kept the same tenants for 4 years speaks to the stability of the rental income, which is key for buy-and-hold investments.Your strategy of house hacking and then moving into a rental property was a smart way to transition, and it’s clear that the live-in flip helped you build value.

Smart  

Using smart financing like portfolio loans or refinancing after value-add improvements can free up your capital for future investments.Diversify property types – I’ve seen investors get stuck in one type of rental (e.g., single-family homes) and miss out on opportunities in duplexes or small multifamily.

It sounds like a great opportunity, especially with the location near theme parks and convention centers.Nice job negotiating a lower price with motivated sellers—that’s a smart move.

Money in the bank is not smart.