You’re not optimizing for spreadsheet bragging rights anymore, you’re optimizing for consistency and peace of mind, and 6% with that risk profile is a perfectly rational target.

I have seen a few try to get started over there last several years, but none seem to have survived (or are really bad at SEO and marketing) since I was not able to find any the several times I have searched.That being said, I know Cadre has launched a secondaries market for their own investment offerings, but that is limited in scope to Cadre positions, and is currently closed anyways and will be "re-opening soon". 

From my experience the greatest benefit of using BP Pro is to regularly use the lease/management templates and deal calculators https://www.biggerpockets.com/investment-calculators This will help to optimize your underwriting and operations as you grow.

Some condos have restrictions, while single-family homes can offer more freedom depending on zoning.The Jan–April owner-use window is very realistic, and the remaining 8–9 months can absolutely be positioned for mid-term rentals (30+ days) or longer-term tenants to keep things smoother and lower maintenance.I’d be happy to:Show you a few options while you’re in townTalk through neighborhoods that match your lifestyle goalsHelp you evaluate realistic rental income vs. expensesOr discuss management options if you move forwardYou’re not chasing massive returns — you’re optimizing lifestyle — and that’s honestly one of the smartest reasons to buy.Let me know when you’ll be in Savannah next week and I’d love to connect.

It is important to optimize your tax planning/cash flow in alignment with your business goals as well.

Moreover, you can always pick the kind of account where you'll hold your REITs to optimize: with a 401(k) or a traditional IRA account you will only pay taxes as ordinary income when withdrawing the money, and with Roth IRA you don't pay taxes on the withdrawal; but this is all meant for retirement, not for becoming financially free before you're 70.With rental properties, the tax code provides additional tools.

Optimism results in financial losses.Subtract Every CostYou must deduct all expenses from the sale price to determine the maximum offer price, including:RenovationProject managementClosing costsHolding costs (taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA)Selling costs (commissions, fees)Profit (this is not optional)A surprise cost bufferA time buffer for unexpected delaysIf you miss something, you will lose a lot of money.

It has to be marketable, but there are much better properties than mine in this neighborhood.It comes down to 3 basic pillars, and I'll give one example of each here, and will go into more depth on each when I have a bit more time.1) Listing Optimization - Bullet points, color.

You can always optimize structure as you gain experience.

The idea can work, but the risk is usually less about the down payment and more about whether the refinance assumptions hold up once the property stabilizes.For first rentals, I’ve seen people get into trouble when they optimize for speed instead of margin — especially if rents, appraisals, or seasoning timelines don’t line up as expected.The key question is whether the first deal still makes sense if the refi takes longer or pulls less cash out than planned.