The other two I found a local bank that has in house loans that only require 10% down and with most of my first loan getting paid for, I was able to build up down payments on the other two.

I was thinking one would get licensed in MO and the other in KS for now (mainly because we will both be working for a bit and can cover each other) but not completely sure if we will need to do that so thank you for your honesty.

You're  also multiplying the amount of equity build up from the principle paydown of the rentors. 

Many of us find it easier to work small and build up to larger complexes.

A recommendation would be to start setting some money aside now to build up your repairs/CapEx fund and then whatever extra you get from the rent, put it away for future repairs. 

If you're factoring in what the equity build-up is over time, your cash flow, and the amount the property appreciates (be realistic), you can calculate your IRR (Internal Rate of Return) which takes into account all of those factors; not just cash flow.  

Once you build up you find more people to help and you can start to move up in value.IMO the best way to meet people is to be active in something, volunteer fire, Legion, Elks etc.

Ideally, I would recommend that the money that was going to retirement to be saved to build up your emergency fund and for a down payment for a duplex or another property.

Stick to your conservative investment strategy, build up your dry powder and aggressively invest during the inevitable downturn (when that happens, I don't know...lol).

For arguments sake using my own money doesn't affect my personal life & would give me more positive cashflow per month to build up for the next house as opposed to paying my investor back over 60 months.