However even if you make more money than the requirement you can use a portion of your income to apply.

I encountered a lot of bad management companies who just drain investors money.

Then when it makes sense, pull money out or 1031 into something new.

I would NOT remove any money from index funds as I expect those to be a great earner into the future and very steady hedge against other avenues.

It's your money.

From what I’ve read in the Wall Street Journal, locking in a low interest rate now could be a smart move given today’s economic trends.

From our experience best practice has always been to have exterior cameras as well as smart locks.

Challenges with finding people who want to do a smaller projects and not cost exorbitant amount of money Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Borrowers are not allowed to complete any of the work themselves as sweat equity.Loan to Value Calculations:The original principal amount of the mortgage may not exceed Fannie Mae’s maximum allowable mortgage amount for a conventional first mortgage.Purchase: For a purchase money transaction, the LTV is determined by dividing the loan amount by the lesser of the “as completed” appraised value of the property or the sum of the purchase price of the property and the total rehabilitation costs.Refinance Transactions: For a refinance transaction, the LTV is determined by dividing the original loan amount by the “as completed” appraised value of the property.Eligible Renovation:There are no required improvements or restrictions on the types of repairs allowed.

I would be very surprised if they are just keeping your money.