.• Hybrid Approaches:Some teams combine purchased lists with public records to cross-reference and validate information, which can improve call success rates.I’ve found that a bit of trial and error is often necessary to identify the right mix for your market and team size.

When we moved, we turned it into a rental, hoping this would be the start of our real estate journey—something we’d like to continue once my husband retires.Some key details:My husband is active duty and will retire in 3 years.We have one final move coming up this summer to Raleigh, NC.Our current debts are crippling us—the high interest makes it tough to stay afloat every month.The plan me and my husband are thinking bout:Sell the rental property.Use the proceeds to pay off all our debts, set aside emergency funds and a down payment for our next home.Free up $1,500/month from debt payments, and that also can stash in a high-yield savings account.Regain full VA loan entitlement, allowing us to purchase a multifamily home and use the house hacking strategy for up coming move.Avoid capital gains tax, since April marks five years of ownership, and the tenant’s lease ends in May.This wasn’t our original plan, and we hate the idea of using our equity to pay off debt.

Purchase price: $645,000 Cash invested: $516,000 80% cash purchase.2,437 sq ft Duplex, with 3b 2b for the front unit (1331), 4b 2b for the back unit (1333).   

We've never used percentage-based criteria, like the 70% Rule, for purchases.

I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

You want to look at paragraph 12 of the Texas purchase contract, called the 'One to Four Family Residential Contract'.

I created an electronic google doc time tracker: Time LogContemporaneous time log of rental real estate activitiesActivity DescriptionTenant recruitmentTenant screeningNegotiating and executing leasesOverseeing repairs and maintenanceCommunications with tenants and vendorsTravel timeResearch for potential rental real estate (pub 925)Acquiring rental real estate (pub 925)Paperwork/bookkeeping/bankingResearch and purchase of materialsRent collectionEvictionOn-site cleaningBill paymentOther:Time SpentDateMM/DD/YYYYSubmit

Fantastic to hear that you were able to navigate the challenging purchase.

And we usually replaced windows/storm doors and HVAC systems within a year of purchasing older units, and this has helped as well.

I currrntly own a home and am renting it out, I am working on purchasing a duplex.