I nor my RE agent was made aware of these conversations during the buying process.

(This doesn’t even include the interest you’ll be paying on that $500k to buy the new property, another $3,000/mo?

Get to know them and note your Buy Box. 

@Jason Mergl I would sell and then buy in the midwest.

I’m buying a truck-plex and the rent for each unit is under market value by $125-$150.  1. 

Rents will likely start to increase again in 2025 is my thought, but you probably can't wait until then to buy as home prices will have moved up again.   

I’ve started off with buying equity in a new build that cash flows as a mid term rental.

(Please note that I get a significant MSRP discount on my S-W purchases) Emerald is great from a water-based standpoint, but is a lot more pricey and I have not been able to justify buying it for use in my properties outside of one 120 year old banister. 

I agree that it would probably be the easiest to buy an existing duplex or house that has ability to be split or easily added onto.

You could then use that money to go buy other properties.