Second point is to avoid expensive and unexpected repairs.

I am excited to have an REI outlet here on BP! 

Trying to decide if doing a cash out refi (where you get up to 75% LTV) taking out let's say $45-50k to buy 1 STR place with it and giving up $200 a month on cash flow for the property but keeping the asset in the portfolio is a better option or selling the house and pulling out $100k and getting 2 STR's but losing the asset is better long term? 

Analyzing the deal means understanding cost of repair and accounting for unexpected costs.

It's always better to err on the side of caution and overestimate a bit on CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, but over long periods of time it is fairly predictable.Dayton has some great cap rates in certain areas, it's certainly one of the better markets I've closely researched.It can seem easy but there will almost always be unexpected bumps in the road that you come across.

Rates are most likely going to continue to rise unless we hit another recession unexpectedly (though keep in mind we are in a historic 10 year bull run).  25% down is also standard for investment properties. 

We set up a wall to practice wiring outlets , switches , and even had a small breaker panel to wire

After going to many trials and tribulations with my first deal, I can’t help but think there are deals found by driving for dollars that ended up being bad deals due to unexpected issues with the house.

If you want to save some money, offer to hook up all the outlets/switches and install face plates.

Try CapSource - John O'Leary with CapSource  posts in here regularly - also they are doing a presentation on zoom tomorrow at noon with NCREIA (register at www.ncreia.com).if that doesn't work out let me know and i have someone else to refer.