I have several criteria but if I had to narrow is down to my top three. it would be1 - School ratings above 82 - Safety (crime, or the lack thereof)3 - The numbers - Property prices, rent pricesIf the school ratings and numbers are not what I want, that city is immediately eliminated.

Everyone knows the BRRRR method - Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat.It’s built on the idea that leverage lets you grow faster.That worked great when money was cheap and banks were eager.But in today’s market, the same leverage that once fueled growth can quietly eat away at returns.Here’s an alternative I’ve been studying - something I call the Reverse BRRRR.It keeps the real estate, the cash flow, and the repeatability… but removes the debt treadmill.Here’s the basic structure:Buy homes in livable condition at a discount.

You'll still have the same debt.

For apartments It also eliminated apartment seekers with large animals and lots of vehicles.

No one should be mailing payments these days for rent when there are plenty of other more secure options that eliminate lies and excuses (the check is in the mail). 

Your debts are still the same.  

Building two  had recently lost its tenant at 8800 square.Mortgage Interest for the two buildings was $175,000, debt service about $200,000, resulting in negative cash flow let alone any cash for tenant buildouts for the vacant building.  

@Samuel Awosolu Thank you for the advice, fortunately due to grades and scholarships I should be debt free if not close to debt free post grad.

It’s not just about finding good properties —it’s about how you fund them.The structure of your capital stack determines how fast (and safely) you can grow.Here’s a simple breakdown 👇🔹 Senior Debt: Cheapest capital, but limits flexibility.🔹 Mezzanine Financing: Bridges the gap between debt & equity — adds leverage without giving up control.🔹 Preferred Equity: Fixed return for investors, keeps ownership in your hands.🔹 Common Equity: Where the upside lives — and the risk.The secret?

Also in Maryland a debt is good for 12 years.