More due diligence and follow up, does this person have a job that's consistent for at least a year?

It separates your personal assets from your business, providing a safeguard if any legal issues arise related to tenants or the property.

Once it's rented, use that rental income to help offset your DTI, which may help you qualify for the second property sooner.Partner with Investors: Team up with someone to split costs and lower your personal DTI impact.

Congratulations on the duplex -My investor clients have acquired several multi-family investment properties locally in the market I operate in Northwest Indiana - Figure out your personal investment objective for the next 4 years and align yourself with the next property that make sense in this current market environment-

Find someone where there is a personal connection and at some point your relationship now or later can benefit the mentor.

Now the tenant may have a legitimate personal injury claim and more.3) "Citing Renters Insurance declined coverage"- So, tenant has Renters Insurance?

.• I purchased a small 1B/1Ba condominium in a high rise building in 2004 for personal use.• In 2010, I moved out and decided to put in in service as a rental unit.• I was able to keep it well occupied and leased throughout 2024.• I sold the condo unit in late 2024 for a nominal profit.That brings us to today. 

They prioritize personal development.

Great start to life. 

My wife is a realtor and my sons are MLO's and we started a lending company last year :)We do STR's mostly personally with our own properties and self manage all of them.