Being a new investor and out of state put me into a vulnerable position.

Calculate that as a percentage of current rents, and that will give you an idea of just how vulnerable your portfolio is.

This one should have been a no-brainer, but again I was so excited to see my “maybe first deal” that I neglected to do it which left me vulnerable to the spiders and other creepy crawly things that lurk in abandoned homes.

I would not confront them or even act outwardly like you know anything (your property is too vulnerable as are you).These online reporting systems allow you to give great detail, which you can collect just from observations (be it license plates, numbers, times, etc).While I have not totally solved anything (yes, they have younger trainees in waiting), I know one action took place ( one of two bad actors was arrested, slowing traffic by 1/2) and also it got them on the radar screen of authorities.

To me (A newbie) it's just seems like having several small mf houses add more complication (Multiple mortgages, structures, locations, etc.) for potentially less returns and more vulnerability to vacancies robbing you of your cashflow.

Some of the conditions for example would be:Missing smoke detectorsUnstrapped water heaters vulnerable to earthquakeMissing handrails where they need to beCracked or damaged exit doors that are being utilizedCracked window glass or floorsPlumbing leaksAsbestos Rotten countertopsTrip hazardsDefective surface paintJust to name some of the few, I'm certain there are many more.

Talk to someone that is successful at suing people and you will understand your vulnerabilities and how to address them.  

The downside is that I'm personally responsible for the mortgage and my credit score is vulnerable; however, I would not be personally liable for anything related to the property?

The payments are too high (going to cut into my profit too much vs a residential 30-yr fixed loan) and on top of that the closing costs are higher and you basically MUST refinance every 5 years due to the balloon payment (which leaves me vulnerable to interest rates going way up, AND means I have to pay some closing costs again every 5 years.)Is there any other way to do this??

.,  and even dividend stocks all have the same vulnerabilities.