However, with that multitude of knowledge I've gained (and still searching and learning) my biggest concern now is after I accept the offer, relocate, and start getting paid I want to ENSURE that I dont suffer from "Lifestyle Creep" and focus all of my money on preparing myself and my bank account for getting started in real estate investing.So my question is this,Should I seek a financial planner or an accountant to help me manage my finances to achieve my goals in real estate investing? 

However, with that multitude of knowledge I've gained (and still searching and learning) my biggest concern now is after I accept the offer, relocate, and start getting paid I want to ENSURE that I dont suffer from "Lifestyle Creep" and focus all of my money on preparing myself and my bank account for getting started in real estate investing.So my question is this,Should I seek a financial planner or an accountant to help me manage my finances to achieve my goals in real estate investing?

Lessons learned: - Negotiate more based on repairs if they come up on an inspection report, especially if its structured to be paid out of pocket after closing (as this lowers my Cash on cash return significantly)- Minimum cash on cash return I should be going for is 15%, 7% (Cash on cash return)-10% (cash on cash + principal pay-down) is a rate I can easily achieve through boring index funds on the stock market and likely not worth my time and much more of a liquid investment.Challenges:- House had a weird layout that made it a 2 bd/1 ba (utilizing a enclosed sun room as the second bedroom), which gives me some worry about future rents.- Communication between the PM & the existing tenant was not great during the purchase process (had to reschedule the inspection three times), however communication between myself and the PM after closing has been okay.- Scheduling repairs after closing has been tough as a result of the holidays & general lack of labor.Rough estimate of numbers (assuming 5% vacancy, $780/yr in repairs/maintenance, 10% PM fee, $480/yr insurance, $1227/yr property taxes):Current:Expected based on Rental increase to $670 (assuming tenant accepts increase, rental increase would be starting 02/01/2022):Expected if tenant decides to move due to Rent increase (PM company estimates it to be possible to rent at $725-750/mo; keep in mind this doesn't factor in costs to make rent-ready (if any), as well as the cost of getting a new tenant):

What are you trying to achieve and how does real estate help you with that? 

But the cash flow would be added to the balance sheet.

The deal made sense, because our analysis of comparable properties plus our experience in the market led us to believe that we could achieve $1,090 rents if we made some light renovations to the units.

Our mortgage balance is $443k.

This implies that the best use is achieved by house hacking investors. 

With this thought in mind any recommendations on areas where I might be able to achieve this goal.

small balance loans you just have to pay more for them..