If you're planning an open house at a vacant listing, know that you've just let the general public know that it is just that - vacant.Better safe than evicting/repairing...

Would love to hear what you’re focused on or planning!

By then I expect to have a clear plan so I can move into action.

You may not feel the need when you own just 1-2 properties, but it may be more relevant if you plan to expand. 

Our firm is planning on starting a Portal (legal term) next year on our roadmap because with $5M as the new threshold this really can move the needle for certain projects and sponsors.  

Good point, if you have plans to sell in the near future, could be better to wait.

For your out-of-state BRRRR plan, building a strong local team in St.

IF you plan on going back someday, and this is the home you want to move back to, then renting it would be a good idea as long as you estimate that it will cover itself, or preferably, cash flow, which it appears that yours will at @ $2K or so per month (after expenses). 

The biggest factor will be how long you plan to own the property or when you think you may refinance.

So adding this to my prospecting plan may provide reach to do deals that I may not have had before simply circling the usual watering holes.