I’m currently paying down debt by this summer and should have saved for a relatively small deposit by EOY 2019.Here is my current position.Purchased 1st property as a USDA in MauiUSDA Ln: $400kMortgage: $2202Consumer Debt: $0 (06/2019)Owe Aprx: $385,000Home Value: $500kIncome: $74k yrlyDown payment: $23k (12/2019)720 Credit score Im looking to purchase something small, preferably in a wooded mountain area (ideal for short term rental) but open to anything affordable.Right now I have my short term goals set out but been wracking my brain trying to figure out the next best possible approach to REI.Any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

I could see SS fitting that description with the sales of boxes, etc. 

A property manager, especially a NARPM member, knows that they need to find you something that fits your needs - AND - they can manage for a long time. 

Borrowers are also more challenging to deal with, and if there are violations from the county on the property these get passed to you (which you can try and collect from the borrower but if they walk they stick to the property which ends up being paid by you).Every person has a varying level of experience and risk so no one fits into a one size fits all, but people should be aware of the risks they are engaging in when investing in certain asset classes. 

Go figure out what he needs help with and acclimate yourself to fit that need.

To go back to my syndicator friend I mentioned - they would buy ideal properties in prized locations and wait.

Ideally I would be able to refinance both properties into a long term loan.Advice? 

Ideally I would be able to refinance both properties into a long term loan.Advice?

Go in with your eyes wide open.Turnkeys no longer fit my investing goals, but that doesn't mean that they don't have any merit. 

I am not knowledgeable about that market, as I do not work or live there, but as an agent I have resources available to me to find and vet an agent for you that will be a great fit for what your needs are.