If you want to acquire more properties, then I recommend using the current home as leverage to buy more houses.If you’re looking for more cash flow, then the possibility of doing a 1031 exchange into a bigger asset That generates more rev might be best for you.

It will be solely based on the performance of the property you're looking to acquire, calculated as the Debt Service Coverage Ratio.

Come December, I was ready to pull the trigger because Ashley has just acquired her newly minted real estate license and joined the FI Team, and by the time I would close on this property, 12 months would have elapsed since I last purchased a primary residence.Thanks to Ashley and her expert negotiating skills, despite this being her first deal as an agent, we were able to get this property under contract for $10,000 under asking at $665,000.

...but, the reality is: RE investing takes creativity and flexible thinking, the ability to see opportunities others miss, the willingness to acquire properties others don't want, and the willingness to do what it takes to force cashflow.Good luck out there!

Lastly, the areas that you mentioned in Ohio may look affordable but if you were to acquire 10 SFHs, I would imagine that the turnover and repairs alone would be quite the headache.

You acquire a property and fix it up, at 6 months you refinance with a lender that can do it at 75% LTV cash-out or you can do a rate/term at any time leased/unleased. 

If you use a bridge loan (20% down) to acquire the property those are typically 12 month terms with extensions possible w/ no prepay or early exit fees (hint -  refi when work is complete, tenants in place).

Five-year plan to acquire at least 3 properties using additional owner-occupied loans.

My goal is to turn this management portfolio into my own business as I gain more properties to manage over time.I recently was able to acquire my first property to manage in the Tampa/Wesley Chapel area and I wanted to reach out to anyone in the Bigger Pockets Forum who has the knowledge and experience when it comes to managing properties and could share any tips that would guide me to be successful throughout the process and grow.If there are any management software or apps anyone would recommend to store property data in to stay organized, and to aid in any maintenance request by the tenant, please share!!!!  

Sometimes there is only so much you can do to the property to add so as a secondary acquisition goal we'll acquire locations that are key long term locations in strong markets that will have a competitive advantage in different market cycles even if the advantage isnt "pronounced," right at this moment (beach,lifestyle, transportation, education, path of progress, city initiatives for development, and etc areas).The active business, in your case (real estate agent) or lending can fund the investing into the future while you work on freeing yourself.The highest expense most people have is their housing expense so it makes sense to house hack early on in the game for many who have W2 jobs or are sole practitioners/gig workers.