Scaling up properties requires cash flow or equity, continuous education, networking, mentorship, patience, and persistence.

I'd recommend the following:1) Continue to stay at home to save up more2) Buy the crappiest home in a good neighborhood, with financial help (parents?)

But when it's equity gains, no tax, only at time of sale and if you 1031 Uncle Sam let's you continue to use that tax-$ for investing purposes.

They had caught some trespassers.We have continued to upgrade our security systems as capabilities have increased and costs have decreased.  

From my own personal experience and from others I think most reach the "tipping point" from self managing to using a PM somewhere between 5-15  units, especially if you have a W2 and want to continue to scale. 

@Melvin Lamont Evans Welcome to BiggerPocketsThe search function can help you find some relevant informationhere is an example https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/1049073-my-fi...

I thought I was buying at top of the market in 2020...and 2022...but prices continue to remain high. 

I wish you great luck on continuing to build up your farm.

This progress has been a blessing, and we’re committed to continuing on this path.

I’ll continue to research the area.