At 8.5% on ~$104K, you are basically getting a guaranteed 8.5% “return” by paying it down, plus improving cash flow right away, which matters here because your property is actually negative after debt.If your goal is stronger cash flow and lower risk → paying off (or paying down) the loan makes sense.If you have a clearly better deal lined up that will beat 8.5% after taxes and you are okay keeping leverage → then deploying into the new deal could work.

Cash Flow Comes First — Not AppreciationA lot of investors get seduced by the “hot market” or “future appreciation,” but you don’t spend appreciation — you spend cash flow.When both houses rent for the same $1.8–1.9K……but one costs $340K and the other $386K + needed repairs…You’re already seeing your answer:✔ Peoria: Lower price + fewer repairs = stronger cash-on-cash✘ Gilbert: Higher price + renovation costs = weaker cash flowAppreciation is a bonus, not the foundation of a sustainable rental strategy. 2.

For many investors, the breakthrough comes from something simple: better underwriting, improved sourcing, stronger teams, or access to capital.What was your game changer when you started becoming consistent?

My underwriting is showing stronger returns than I expected for this price point, so I want to sanity-check the assumptions with people who are actually operating in this micro-market.If you’re hosting or buying STRs in this part of Dallas, I’d really appreciate your feedback.Happy to DM the address and numbers if anyone wants to compare notes.Thanks in advance — this community always brings solid insight.

But on the investing side, I’m here to learn, network, and build long-term relationships with flippers, landlords, agents, contractors, and other professionals in Oregon and Washington.I’m especially interested in:Building a stronger local networkLearning from experienced investorsUnderstanding multi-unit renovationsImproving renovation systemsExploring BRRRR and small development opportunitiesMy goal on Bigger Pockets isn’t to push business — it’s to be part of the community, contribute where I can, and connect with people who are also serious about growth and long-term success.If you’re in Oregon or Washington and open to networking or sharing experiences, I’d love to connect.Glad to be here and excited to learn from everyone.— DenisPortland, OR

The combination of stronger-than-expected payrolls and soft wage growth eased inflation concerns, supporting risk assets in the short term.Bond markets have been a little volatile post-release, with treasury yields down a basis point or two.

The people who commit to the FHA Ladder build equity faster, learn how to manage tenants, and set themselves up to either househack again or buy a traditional multifamily with stronger footing.

That’s why I’ve been looking a bit further out and exploring arbitrage or co-hosting in stronger markets.

You’re not being unrealistic at all, especially in LA where days on market and condition can justify stronger offers.

Having your lender ready to go lets you move fast and write stronger offers, which matters a lot in competitive markets.