It's unfortunate that your fiance doesn't share your same optimism and drive, but you need to follow your passion.

Code, landlords are required to give the name and address of "the person or persons authorized to collect or receive rent and manage and maintain the premises, and who can readily be contacted by the tenant." 

They co-mingle funds, they do not maintain clear and consistent lines of responsibility, etc.  

It is required by brokers that you purchase this policy to protect them and yourself from negligence on your part.Also, the MLS isn't an entity that charges fees, the various associations of Realtors charge membership fees and your local association maintains your local MLS. 

They are a pain to maintain.

I don't stay in one place long enough, because of baseball season starting, to be able to own and maintain a property.

I like tenants who provide me with tons of personal references that they have known for years....those are you usually my best tenants as they tend to care what other people think and know how to maintain relationships.

Soon I will be pulling the trigger on my first investment property, most likely a 2-4 unit home. Is it more advantageous to finance with a 20% downpayment with savings via conventional loan, an FHA loan, using a heloc...

So this one I contacted today is very motivated;  Her work commute is very far and the house is a lot bigger than what she needs and it's tough for her to maintain, so she wants out.  

I bought the house, I pay for the house, I maintain upkeep on the house, I'm the one who applied for the HELOC.