You can take out some cash or lower the mortgage some (boot), but there is a threshold.Call your tax guy, I think you may still be in the clear at the end of your lease.  

Whatever I decide to do job-wise for the next few years, I will pursue paying these properties down to combat a little of my unease about being leveraged so much, but at the same time I don't much care if we have a RE correction as I'm in this for the long term and it likely wouldn't have a huge effect on my rental income.

I think all that can be summed up by saying good research or boots on the ground here can still net some great investments. 

I'm hoping to get some rentals in this area (long term and/or short term)... if I can be of help in any way as boots on the ground, feel free to connect!

There's a couple ways to combat this- get more W2 income, systematically raise rents or find killer deals that have amazing cash flow.

If you ever need boots on the ground in central Ohio, I'm happy to help.

If you only do virtual showings you'd be shooting yourself in the foot because think of all the people that aren't tech savvy, and then think of all the people (myself included) who would not buy a property before checking it out in person first or having my boots on the ground do it if it's out of state.It's a good addition if you have the money to invest (read that the companies that set it up charge a couple hundred) but I would use traditional methods to bring in more buyers before eliminating many buyers who aren't interested in virtual showings only.

You did it as a first one with a full time job to boot.

Since you are already doing a kitchen remodel, adding in some work for the bathroom (finishes only) would be a minor incremental cost from your contractor as boots are already onsite.

I tend to agree but I was hoping to get some insight and opinion from other investors more familiar with the Charlotte area.I live in California so I rely on people with boots on the ground to help advise me.