I just don't want to start working with a realtor and waste time and end up with no real solid prospects for buying.

Then once I find a property that I like to buy I'll start looking at the comps in the area that have been rented and are currently on the market to be rented and make sure that my mortgage payment will at least break even with the rental comps.I'm using rough estimates on Zillow and websites alike.

You can assume about 1% in closing costs in addition to commissions so you're starting around 7% before the seller gets any cash at closing. 

We are also planning to start spending winters in warmer climates... 

I am just getting started, but willing to learn as much as possible.

We have renters there now and they cover the mortgage with a bit of cash flow ($100/month), but the property is going to need some more major updates (windows, roof, HVAC, siding) within the next 5 years as they are starting to be at the end of their useful lives.We would like to pay off our primary residence as quickly as possible to “free us” from mortgage payments on our primary residence.My questions are below:1.

If timing permits you can get a tenant into your home that you'd be leaving.If you are going to move into the new home you have a lot of options for better rates and lower down payments.Matt HowardNorthpointe Bank616.552.5730https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/matt-ho...https://www.zillow.com/lender-profile/matt%20howard/

I've been going about as long as you have and things are starting to come together and happen for me here in Sacramento.

I started investing in 2021 while living in San Francisco and have been pretty happy with my decision and own 13 doors in the area currently. 

The learning curve for plumbing is a nightmare, you'll spend a lot of trips to the store and get frustrated starting over constantly.