What I did is I created a Google Form that I fill out every time I spend money with the date, spend, and spend category, and then that exports into a Google Sheet.

Is there a chance that rates and prices decrease in the next 1-4 years as our cash reserves increase, thus creating a better scenario for us first time investors?

There are a few apparently that are considering opening up their product offerings to include HELOCs on investment properties.  

Investing is about creating long term wealth, not replacing W2 income.

Here's a quick guide to success:1) Finding Deals:Establish your Goals - First, think about, write down, or know by heart, your goals and your "Why" - why are you investing, and what do you want to achieve.Next, create a "buy-box". 

Examples include notable investments in property upgrades aimed at revitalizing tenant interest, highlighting resilience amid adversity.As the commercial real estate sector navigates through unprecedented challenges, banks, lenders, and investors adopt varied strategies to navigate the turbulent waters.

The good ones create a synergy and each partner brings something that the others lack to the table. 1) 5 houses, 5 partners.

That creates a really nice price / rent ratio which is favorable for investors looking for cash flow.

I'll tell you from experience once you remodel a few properties you gain MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF KNOWLEDGE> and this helps you find/buy/create the next opportunity. 

*This post does not create an attorney-client or CPA-client relationship.