@Taylor Gillette  If you have a good relationship with your lender I would propose all these questions to them directly... get it right from the source. 

I currently have 2 properties that are being rented without loans and recently closed on a business LOC so I have a cash flow source for flips instead of the cash roller coaster I was operating on.If it gives you comfort in owning a property outright, go for it. 

Zoning is your biggest hurdle, by no means is it an easy or guaranteed process, also even in Seattle your rents for a 2 bedroom might be a bit much unless it is very close to the city center.

The biggest factor of your success in investing will be your involvement, education, and TEAM!

My main interest is to buy a handful of properties, live in one and rent a couple out for a secondary source of income.

Tenant shenanigans and property damage will be your biggest money pits.We bought a 2-family in Dogtown last year and it has been great. 

get rid of your biggest debt 1st then make profits you know?

I have already sourced out some initial house cleaning staff.

I am currently in the process of bringing a networking contact into an off market deal I sourced.

I'm looking at lists for obtaining properties such as myhousedeals.com and Happy Home Investor, etc and more confused every day as to having one reliable source.