My Next Investment Move. Property #2

[Taylor Smith]

Back in Oct. 2019, I purchased a house with an FHA loan in Brewer, ME.

I am wanting to relocate to NC this year in August. Figured this is my opportunity to build my rental portfolio. Just want to make the right decisions. I would rent out my personal residence in Brewer, cash flowing around $400 after a refinance to conventional loan.

Looking to buy another property, I'm thinking to do some house hacking with a duplex so we can make sure the new area is where we want to be committed and lower our cost for a year or so. I would try going after another FHA or VA loan for this.

Then purchase my new primary residence in 2022. So I could rent out both sides of duplex, increasing the amount I could save per month to eventually buy a single family and so on every year. 

Just looking at my options and want to make the best game plan.  I have $5k saved, $30k in stocks and 20% equity in Brewer home. Would there be a better way of making the safe foundation for myself?