CT isn't cheap so if you plan on doing it there you are going to surprised at how poorly you do. maybe in the suburbs I'm not sure but as much as I know people call us from CT and everyone is rich and has lots of money and things are expensive out there. build to rent is a great model. we build 3 story walk up infill and keep it to the residential side. 3 units is the most units before it's commercial and you need engineering, etc. check comparable and things liek that. we came up with this design a year ago and we sold 10 if you want to talk further please DM me happy to connect. there are some great build to rent conferences. we went vertical not horizontal with it to save on build costs and design to fit on any infill lot. this fits on a 3500 square foot lot. most lots in our area are 30x120 or 30x150. in miami where I live now they are 50x100 or so. but any infill lot we can pretty much get this one on. there are some great build to rent conferences coming up too that if you like this topic I'd recommend attending I'm sure you'd learn a lot.  

An older house that had already been flipped (2022) -- all new appliances, remodeling, good floor plan.

It's a 3 bedroom house and we plan to use technology such as a smart lock, WIFI exterior cameras, and a smart thermostat.

Not promised or planned, actually funded. 

My plan is to mainly focus on cash flowing properties that make the 2% rule. 

Make sure your exit plan aligns with it, whether that’s refinancing or selling.

The longest delay is the floor plans. 

It sounds like maybe you are planning on moving out next year, in which case, maybe it makes sense to wait to start investing until then so you can take care of down payment assistance and grants. 

You have kids - do a 529 plan and max it out You will retire one day - max out your 401k yearly, IRA, Roth IRA (or backdoor to Roth IRA)You will have health expenses one day - max out your HSA From here I'd invest in Real Estate.

Your realtor should be the first source of guidance.For anyone here to provide you some guidance, you have to be more specific on the ask.There are always many things to consider when planning for different strategies.