You wouldn’t drive your car for years without an oil change — so don’t run your business without a check-in.Curious — do you review your numbers throughout the year or just wait until tax season?

Do you have two big car payments or credit cards?

The properties that I'm buying are single detached houses, mostly 3 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and 2 car garage built since year 2000.

Even minor policy shifts can have big effects on the economy, markets, and investments, which makes this one of the riskiest variables to anticipate.

I like paying off the $25,000 car note that is at 6%Even if you 8% to 10% return in the stock market, it might be 6% or slightly above 6% after taxes.

If there are utility bills, car payments, that sort of day-to-day necessity items, that's not good.2. 

For auto, do you have a car?

At this point, you’re basically investing remotely either way, so you might as well choose a market where numbers are stronger and property management is already built out.Some out-of-state markets that are beginner-friendly with solid rent-to-price ratios:Akron & Canton, OH – Affordable entry points, consistent rental demand, strong cash flow.Columbus, GA – Stable military/manufacturing economy, good PM availability, lots of rent-ready inventory.Huntsville, AL – Job growth + appreciation play, still landlord-friendly.Birmingham, AL – Cash flow focus with reliable PM options for out-of-state owners.Since you already have access to the $60K HELOC, consider using it strictly for down payments rather than renovations.

I may drive up and live out of my car for a few days.

This indicates economies of scale.