If you have access to conventional financing and have the down payment and rehab in cash, you will save a lot of money but you won’t have as much leverage.

Saving on monthly management fees, overpriced maintenance, and the stress caused by trying to understand if your property manager is actually working for you, or the guy next door.  

The FinancialsPurchased our "starter home" brand new in 2010 for $166,490Zestimate is currently at $281,510Mortgage Outstanding Principal balance is $137,331.69Monthly Payment (PITI) is $1,159.24Rent Zestimate is $1,625 /moIn case it's relevant, our budget for a new home is $450K and we have 25% saved for deposit.

I am losing about $250/month once considering CapEx/repairs/vacancy savings, prop manager. i have renters in there and house is in good shape but as we all know, something could go down at any time. loan is at 2.75%, so, I would lose that....which amatorizes quick.

If your passion truly is to focus on something REI pick a degree that parallels with it in some way that allows you to love doing your 9-5 job while you gain experience and save money to eventually be a full time REI.

Sounds like you have a nice nest egg saved up which is awesome!

This allows you to have all the financial security and easy access to your cash, which real estate does not, as well as affording you much higher returns than simply having dead equity.The same would apply to paying down your own home mortgage, all you save is the mortgage interest. 

@Chai JonnI agree, the Solo 401k is the best bet for maximizing contributions as long as you are eligible for the plan.

I'll save $5k in developer fees by waiting but will have yo solar PV the ADU;maybe do the sfr at the same time.

., and how to maximize savings and write offs.