Hi John, I’m based in Seattle but invest in Memphis and Detroit where I now own 9 doors.

Here are some pros and cons of each approach to help you decide:Paying Cash for One Home and Refinancing LaterPros:No Mortgage Payments: You won't have monthly mortgage payments initially, which can reduce financial stress.Equity: You own the home outright, giving you full equity which can be used for refinancing.Lower Costs: No interest payments and possibly lower closing costs compared to having a mortgage.Better Negotiation Power: Cash buyers often have more negotiating power and can close deals faster.Cons:Opportunity Cost: Your cash is tied up in one property, potentially limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities.Refinancing Risks: Future interest rates may be higher, making refinancing more expensive.Market Fluctuations: Property values might decrease, affecting the amount you can refinance.Buying Four Homes with 20% Down on EachPros:Diversification: Owning multiple properties diversifies your investment, reducing risk.Rental Income: Potential rental income from multiple properties can generate cash flow.Appreciation: You benefit from the appreciation of multiple properties.Leverage: Using mortgages allows you to leverage your investments, potentially increasing your return on investment.Cons:Higher Debt: You'll have multiple mortgage payments, increasing your debt and financial obligations.Management: Managing multiple properties can be more complex and time-consuming.Market Risks: Market downturns can affect all properties, amplifying risks.Cash Flow: If rental income is not enough to cover mortgage payments, you could face cash flow issues.Considerations:Financial Stability: Assess your current financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments and potential vacancies.Market Conditions: Consider current and projected real estate market conditions and interest rates.Investment Goals: Align your decision with your long-term investment goals and risk tolerance.Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.If you prioritize lower risk and less debt, paying cash for one home might be the better option.

Early on, I think people should be more conservative and establish a base (HYSA) and then regular (weekly or monthly) automated investments in low cost index funds. 

Mortgage remaining is around 85K and current value based on comps is right around 295k.

Call Customer Service ASAP.Mike

Another client of mine was using dropbox and it was such a game changer when searching for the receipts.Cost of the services will vary due to the amount of work it involves. 

I chose to build my PM business from ground.To create a working system and to organize processes is difficult in the beginning, but to my experience it is possible to create a working model based on personal knowledges and then to provide a high level of service to the clients.

Let's explore some effective approaches for managing investment properties:With a Property Manager:Screening and Selecting Tenants: Entrust your property manager to handle tenant screening, background checks, and selection, ensuring reliable renters for your investment.Rent Collection: Property managers can ensure timely rent collection and handle any late payments or lease violations professionally.Maintenance and Repairs: Delegate routine maintenance tasks and repairs to your property manager, who can coordinate with contractors and vendors to keep your property in top condition.Tenant Relations: Property managers serve as the primary point of contact for tenants, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive rental experience.Lease Enforcement and Evictions: Trust your property manager to enforce lease terms and handle the eviction process if necessary, following legal procedures.Financial Management: Property managers can handle financial tasks such as budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, providing you with regular updates on property performance.Without a Property Manager:Self-Management: Take on the responsibility of managing the property yourself, handling tasks such as advertising vacancies, screening tenants, and collecting rent.Outsourcing Specific Tasks: While not hiring a full-time property manager, consider outsourcing tasks like maintenance and repairs to trusted contractors or service providers.Utilizing Technology: Leverage property management software and online platforms to streamline processes such as rent collection, lease management, and maintenance requests.Establishing Clear Policies: Set clear policies and procedures for tenants regarding rent payments, maintenance requests, and lease terms to minimize conflicts and misunderstandings.Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the property to identify maintenance issues or lease violations early on and address them promptly.Building Relationships: Maintain open communication and positive relationships with tenants to foster a sense of community and encourage better care of the property.Whether you choose to hire a property manager or manage the property yourself, effective communication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to property management are key to maximizing returns and maintaining the value of your investment.

Looking back my whole plan was based on 5% mortgage rates.

This property is ideally located in northeast Colorado Springs with easy access to military bases, shopping, dining and entertainment.