Another food for thought is that if you do your own work and something goes wrong, your insurance might not cover it.

Many of the most successful spirit-salespeople have used this method as it works well when done right.Get some funky looking person, even a starving actor for $50 and free food at the event, to be the 'property manager' and say strange, funny phrases to the reporters.  

Great intro to all things rental related)Building Wealth One House at a Time by John Schaub (As the title would suggest, it caters to new investors.

They wanted to make a partial payment because dad has Cancer & is without food. 

Why is there no line item for food in your budget? 

Once a year I cater a dinner for the group.

I would predict that the areas with smaller units (1-2 bedrooms) would cater more to young professionals the most.

I could keep going but this is just some food for thought, and hopefully helps you out.

After 5 years running my family foods company, I am looking to get into the real estate side of things. 

It is a personal expense, just like your food expense.2) Repairs made on the duplex are deductible against the rental income.Improvements:1) Improvements made on the personal side are added to the basis of the property, but you cannot depreciate the personal side of the property.