I'm currently in the auto industry and need to make a change in my schedule for my family (from overnight to day shift) while I work on my investing on the side.

- If not, then I'm wondering if securing the HEL would diminsh my ability to finance the SFR's independently (ideally within the same timeline to close).I have a solid credit score and f/t income that is strong, but would like to streamline the process as much as possible.

Many investors have shifted their focus to popping tops and scraping lots to build duplexes. 

I think Kashmere Gardens is shifting towards more Hispanic - according to this - but yes, I realize now, it is majority African-American. 

I had a big shift after some serious personal events myself. 

I'm sure a whole horde of people on BP could come up with a better list than me, but some that immediately come to mind are:1) Natural disaster2) Significant changes to insurance rates (see #1)3) Changes to state or city laws regarding fees, taxes and rates, code requirements, zoning, rent caps, tenant-favorable laws, etc (you have more exposure here being in primarily one city area as well)4) Changes to state or regional labor market, especially in regard to contractorsNow in terms of rental market shift exposure, I think a geographically-centralized portfolio can still achieve diversification within a large enough city or region through properties in different geographic neighborhoods, Class A/B/C areas, tenant demographics, and general rent amounts (high/medium/low in the market).Now whether those (unlikely) risk factors are worth giving up all the home field advantages you've built up is a lot harder to answer, but that's every investor's decision.

Then I went to college, where I spent 4 years doing 12 hr shifts as a nighttime security guard, again, making low-low wages.

Moving forward, assuming a significant market shift may occur, it is essential flips be kept as short as reasonably possible.

The apps streamline the process top to bottom but one could always open regular car rental biz alternative.

Is there a market for smaller multi-family buildings or should I shift my focus to single family?