With a difficult tenant, we require 24 hr notice, I take a notice with me and if they refuse to let me in I hand them the next notice.

I do prefer the duplex idea but I have struggled to find them in areas that I would consider living in.  I

Should I sit at the sidelines for a few extra months before I have enough extra money to feel comfortable jumping in? I

It is good that you are getting familiar with prices and neighborhoods; I think that familiarity with the neighborhood you are investing in is important!  

I am still learning about REI and im not quite sure what direction I want to start in, or can start in. I

I have one home that I currently reside in. I

I currently have $7,500 and i would like to get between $15,000-$20,000 prior to jumping in. I

The home I put an offer on was in Lodi NJ which was a bit of a compromise for me in terms of the town I would like to be in, I would ideally like to stay away from more urban areas such as Paterson, Newark, elizabeth, etc.  

Congrats on deciding to make the jump in! I

Doesn't EVERYONE experience monthly losses on the unit they live in? ie