Lastly: always go with Dave over me, he’s the expert.

I would also hire a Home Inspector that is local to the property you are buying so that at least you can have some sort of "professional eyes" on the property.Hiring a home inspector might be more cost-beneficial to you too. 

I know a little bit about landscape architecture but certainly not an expert. 

Did you use a local GC?

However, with high confidence my old property will sell quickly in my current local market it is well worth getting into the next property quickly if the numbers make sense based off the new mortgage.

As I'm only truly exposed to my local market, I'm curious what people think is the most undervalued major market at the moment compared to 5 years from now and WHY. 

Find a local meetup and go to it every month at least.

Hey @Eric Forsberg I am always looking to connect with local investors.

ive been mostly looking for conventions but everything ive found is along the lines of "Grant cardone featuring david goggins panel; buy your tickets for $400 and network like never before" - anything more aligned/tailored for local investors? 

I hear CDA is one of the most beautiful places in the USA, and likely going to be a great destination for years to come.Why not keep waiting, finding more creative ways to make income, and once your equity has increased even more, you can pull out some more cash from your primary and invest locally or out of state for extra cash flow. this is by no means a short term plan.