Reason why i have started looking at a potential BRRR strategy and looking outside of the MLS. 

This is doable however my time to find, procure, and renovate rentals is very restricted due to my life on active duty.When looking strictly at the numbers a mortgage provides a better CoCR and a better ROE, but stepping back and looking at more plain facts it seems like leaving the house paid off is the best bet, thoughts? 

Better to lose nearly $10k in rent (~50% of 90 day rent value) than get a risky tenant.Especially if you self manage, make sure you understand the protections provided mid term renters in CA.Good luck Hey Dan,Do you mind sharing for what reason(s) you disqualified the potential tenant?

Sometimes a potential tenant will ask to enter the home to view it before finalizing the rental contract.

However, the rents are slightly lower and could potentially wipe out your monthly cashflows with one major repair.As for higher appreciation market like West/East Coast, it's more expensive, but rents are higher due to a strong labor market, there will be a certain amount of demand for those markets, but the downside is that you will need to be creative by adding more values for the property.

If you were to stop renting out a portion of your home and live in the entire property for at least two out of the five years before the sale, you could potentially qualify for the full $250,000 tax-free limit.

Second property purchase price was 275k (so added some other funds to make up the total figure), and potentially looking to sell around 315k.

The equity potential of course, but mainly I was trying to solve two issues - on one end, the seller was struggling financially and needed to sell her home but investors were aggressively trying to take advantage.

The equity potential of course, but mainly I was trying to solve two issues - on one end, the seller was struggling financially and needed to sell her home but investors were aggressively trying to take advantage.

I bet if someone is really serious about learning CRE and they don't have the $30k up front, they could offer better terms to the mentor.