If my plan works out and the returns come along, I'll leverage myself since I'm young and have a higher tolerance and propensity for risk.

It's a double edge sword of growth vs safety(risk:reward) and everyone is different when it comes to tolerances.

Everyone is different and has different risk tolerances. 

I see it once in a while that duplxes just split the actual bill, but those are usually owner occupied and nicer areas like Shorewood.If you rent units at or above median rent people have a higher tolerance for additional charges than tenants who rent based on a budget. 

I have no facts to back this up, just a rumour that I saw on BP and elsewhere.Until there are some sustained movements showing a vacancy decrease in downtown commercial office space I wouldn't risk it, but that is just my tolerance level. 

Getting a full fixer upper might be a bit overwhelming for your first deal, but have had it if you have higher risk tolerance and reserves.

Here are the numbers:Location: San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles)2bd/1ba - 850sq ftRemaining balance: 314,000Zillow estimate: 676,400Redfin estimate: 713,749Rent Zestimate (Zillow): 2771 (I feel this is a tad high for such a small house)Cons of the house:Old roof mounted package unit, that eventually will need replacing (made in 1999)Still need to repair 4 sides of fencing repaired/replacedDriveway needs a slurry job1 hour drive from my current house with no trafficLawn needs a redesign (more drought tolerant stuff) - It gets very hot in the valleyPros:Mortgage is only 1760 all inPotential ~900 net/moI already have it...If I did sell it, I would like to buy something closer to where I live, but I also don't want to get dinged with any unnecessary taxes either. 

Everyone is going to have different opinions based on experience and risk tolerance however.

@Nick Barlow The dimensions of the buildings needed to be within some tight tolerances to work around easements, which meant that an off-the shelf design wasn't going to work.

How quickly are you looking to grow it and how much risk are you willing to tolerate?