Aside from that, my reasons for choosing Charlotte were that :It has a strong economy with a variety of industries & a growing tech sceneThe avg rent-to-income in Charlotte is around 27%, which makes it pretty affordable for tenantsThe rent to home price ratio was relatively high (2% rule, though it looks like it may need to be more of a 1% rule, as with other places)It's generally safe, with crime trending downward over the last 10 yrsNet inbound migration was highHome appreciation was up, but not ridiculously so like some other markets (like my home state in CO)It's near to several other potentially attractive markets if Charlotte _didn't_ work out for us, like Raleigh, Nashville.All these factors lead me to believe Charlotte is going to be a good place to acquire buy & hold rental properties and try my hand at a new business.

For individual units, the cap rate isn't too bad at around 2-5%, especially considering the appreciation, but I feel like I have money stuffed under the mattress with the large amounts of equity I have built up in them.My end game is to leave Beijing and move to the SW U.S. when I retire from my current career within the next 5 years. 

I don't think anyone has mentioned, but you need to make sure you are in the game for the long run.

Brian, I reckon your "skin in the game" should really be the deposit you've saved (over the last 9+ years) to directly buy property that you want to invest in!

My last credit score: 805, but would “the industry” really allow me a card for each house and my own personal card?

Which honestly is great to know and great to have in your arsenal of tactics but not 100% my game. 

I am new to real estate and want to dive into this industry as fast as possible.

Hit me up if I can help or if you have any questions.If foreclosure auctions are your game, then go to every single one.

Inspection is pending, but property appears to be in good condition, considering age.Negatives: Town is quaint but low income -- rural, out of the way, no major industries, with published vacancy rate of 20%.

Sagar some do a cash out refinance after they 1031 exchange into another property.It's all a shell game until the end anyways when your heirs get the stepped up basis.