What’s in it for you is peace of mind — by planning for the slow parts and setting clear numbers now, you’ll keep the project on track and finish stronger without unexpected financial strain.

You and your husband are in an great position with the equity plus an ESOP payout gives you some financial breathing room to start your real estate journey.

Let yourself and the market breathe.

I know there's some lenders on here that use Airdna for DSCR loans, so maybe they can give you a peace of mind with their long track record. 

Between rising rents and lower costs, landlords who stayed consistent are finally seeing breathing room again.The best part?

It’s about your safety and peace of mind.I agree with others that bringing in a property manager or legal support can help take some of the weight off you, especially while you focus on the renovation and your family.

A lot of investors I know take a blended approach: keep some properties free and clear for steady cash flow and peace of mind, while leveraging others through a refi or 1031 to keep scaling.

The lower down payment options with FHA or conventional loans make it accessible, and having tenants cover a big chunk of the mortgage gives you some breathing room while you learn.

That actually gives me some peace of mind.

Whether it’s a surprise repair, a vacancy spike, or a refinance delay, your reserves are what keep you from making reactive decisions that can hurt long-term performance.Strong reserves don’t just protect the property — they protect your reputation, your investor relationships, and your peace of mind.Here are a few quick takeaways to remember:Hold a minimum of 3–6 months of operating expenses for each property.Build a capital expenditure reserve — roofs, HVAC, and parking lots don’t last forever.Plan for the unknown.