Right now real estate is a different ball game.

Additionally, while rates aren't historically bad right now, they are higher than 4-5 years ago, and they will be even higher for you as an investor than they were as an owner occupant, which is what you were when you bought originally.I get that you are anxious to add to your portfolio, but that could be achieved without touching your first golden goose.Sometimes on BP, the push is to leverage every last spare penny, but that can be a risky game as the markets shift. 

Please feel free to reach out to me and my team if you would like to come up with a game plan and build your buy box. 

There are other players in the game to compare with like Kenny Bedwell at STR Insights or Bill Faeth's coaching.

Here's why:The Multi-State Chess Game:• Client had properties in 3 states• Each state has different deadlines to assess taxes• Federal changes trigger automatic state assessments• Timing the response saved $45K in state taxes🏠 Real Estate Investor Pro Tip:States can't assess back taxes if their statute of limitations expires before federal changes finalize.

🙏☺️ I completely understand where you’re coming from & you’re right that owning real estate is a key step toward truly being an investor.I’m still new to the game, but I have a solid plan in place to move toward ownership & establish myself as a real estate investor.

Just keep in mind the process can take a little longer since you’d need to work with contractors and follow FHA’s requirements.4.Your End Game: Whether you’re planning to stay long-term, rent it out, or sell once the work is done, it’s important to have your exit strategy mapped out.

As I settle into the new year with my game plan Im curious to know what Margins investors are looking to receive in this market.

The rental demand in the area has been consistent, and duplexes offer the flexibility of house hacking or scaling into multi-family investing over time.With your experience in construction and remodeling, you’re already ahead of the game—fix-and-flips or BRRRR projects in Kansas City could be a perfect fit for you. 

Play the long game and hold onto that equity.