Thus, if you can find a 5+ bedroom house, you have the ability to live for free and then exponentially increase your savings. 

And I feel the ideal portfolio can benefit from the diversification of both.Directly owned properties are great because they give you maximum control and the ability to tweak them exactly how you want.

It won't make a millionaire overnight, but it will set you up for success and the ability to scale (if that's your goal) long-term.  

(And as a buyer will pay more for them)In my market I can list a decent unit and within 2 days or less have a pool to choose from.If you listen to podcasts or talk with other investors the majority of their headaches come from inheriting tenants.This inheriting tenants thing right now is especially scary if I didn’t vet the tenants myself and their ability to pay/history.A lot of times sellers sell because of said problem tenants and this is almost never disclosed.

It really comes down to your risk tolerance, ability to spot individual deals, and your investment goals- are you looking for cashflow or a quick flip?

Another route that I’ve explored is getting a commercial loan, which in theory would not require a co-signer, because the bank looks less at your personal income, and more at your ability to pay the down payment and the property’s ability to cash flow.

You appear to have the experience, but may lack the financial ability to acquire and rehab the properties. 

Respectfully, almost everything maintenance is an emergency to a tenant and they expect immediate service.May we ask, how is the squirrel interferring with your ability to occupy and use the home?

We have the ability to request up to $500,000 total loan amount (for 2021) and are wondering about downside risks before requesting an increase in loan amount.

Also requires the ability to have a separate entrance from the normal front door of the home.Let me know!