When I was scanning the crowd at the free session, I got the impression that everyone there was new to REI.  

Once you are ready to go it doesn't matter how far away it is.If your not ready to be a landlord the next block over may not even work.I usually make it a policy not to feed the trolls but here you go: I'm not sure why you are under the impression that this is my first property.  

That's really impressive.

Amen @Andrey Y.People are impressed with things that have absolutely zero relevance.  

My impression, and the impression I get from the folks that have weighed in here is that it is more dependent on market and location than whether or not you have a townhouse or SFR.

One's first impression is floors, floors, floors for pet odors (which is a good place to start) but very powerful pet urine seeps into porous surfaces (don't know all the science and chemsitry but it does).So I would try the clean/seal (see below) of all walls, ceilings and surfaces, then if the odor is still, present maybe look into the flooring refinishing (also, either way, I would still look at pulling the floor molding and cleaning behind it (cat's spraying walls tend to end up there). https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/288...

@Ronald Thompson,I met with attorneys from VA Beach to Williamsburg, including one in Yorktown and none impressed me in terms of what I wanted to accomplish.

Matthew, Those are impressive life goals.

search for another bank, a small local bank. large bank are more likely to deny you, the smaller banks want the business. also show up to meet them with all financial information in hand, tax returns, profit and loss for the rentals, basically a net worth for them to look at. impress them with how much you are prepared.

:) And even better you don't have to dress to impress.