But the trade-off is that you’re pulling out tax-free cash that you can use to buy another property, that’s how you scale.The key is making sure your rents still cover the new mortgage, taxes, and insurance with a healthy cushion.

Before jumping right into saving for that next investment, I'd strongly consider building a separate and very healthy "uh-oh" fund just for this duplex.

Fortunately, we don't have a financial crisis, and it appears that home prices are stabilizing, though well off of their 2021-22 highs.I think this is healthy. 

However, this also means that your loan amortization is pretty healthy right now as well. 

This maintains a healthy 25% equity cushion in the property, which protects you against market fluctuations and keeps your loan options and rates the most favorable.Let’s do some quick math based on your numbers:Your net income is fantastic.

This isn’t a collapse; it’s a healthy cooldown after a few crazy years.

But more accurately, it is normalizing from an extreme low base during the zero-interest-rate policy era, 2020-2021.And consumer retail sales are still quite healthy, up YoY.And just today, the (often conservative/pessimistic) Atlanta Federal Reserve forecast a 4% GDP growth for Q3 of this year.

In Jacksonville, there are lenders offering 80% cash-out terms that let you leverage, while keeping debt servicing manageable.Great for: Gradual portfolio growth with less upfront effort—if your existing home’s equity is healthy and rates are reasonable.Option B: BRRR Strategy (Buy–Rehab–Rent–Refinance–Repeat)Why it's compelling here: Jacksonville is among the more favorable markets for BRRR due to affordable entry prices and steady rental demand.

Curious how others are keeping margins healthy while rates climb?

.🛍️ Retail Sales Cool in September, But Yearly Gains HoldAfter two strong months, retail spending slowed in September — but annual sales remain healthy, led by online shopping, sporting goods, and apparel.📊 Bottom line: Consumer spending is still holding up, which helps keep the economy afloat — but softer data like this supports the case for lower rates ahead.📅 What’s Coming Up This WeekWith the shutdown still affecting government reports, inflation, retail sales, and housing starts are likely to be delayed.