Tenantcloud is definitely more comprehensive and has more up-gradable features via reports and such, but the customer service experience is lacking.

It has a free version and in the event you'd like to upgrade once you obtain more properties, the monthly cost is extremely reasonable. 

If these need to be added or upgraded, that could add significant costs.Tenant Demand: Research rental demand in your area.

We can start with permitting - between software upgrades / changes - reviewers that have rejected plans because of a slope in a shower on a mastered plan, the sheer volume of builds the city has been dealing with - it's been taking much longer than anticipated. 

Details on the duplex:Price: $385kBuilt: 2012Size: 2674 sq ft (1333 each side). 2 story, 3B/2.5B each side w/ 1 car garage & driveway for both, fenced backyard both sides.Interest: 5.49%PITI: $2,698Current Rent: $1,350 but could be brought up to ~$1,600, maybe $1,700Yearly Property Tax: $8,340 (I don't pay any on my side while I live there so $4,170)Upgrades: Vinyl floor in kitchen of both units, new AC (central HVAC) on vacant unit, roof done 2016. 

Quote from @Frank Pyle: You can refinance with conventional but value of property for LTV purposes will be capped at purchase price plus documented upgrades for the first 12 months.  

One word of caution: the court orders typically allow repairs to make a home habitable, i.e. rent-ready, but not cosmetic or similar non-essential repairs, like upgrades or additions.

We are only very moderately leveraged, but I am in no rush to change that and rather use the cash flow to re-invest either into upgrades (we are doing a ton of driveways this year) or more RE.I don't think there is a right or wrong way, like you said there are many different ways, I just find myself adjusting every year a bit more in that direction.

I am assuming you mean they are really like yurts which is nothing more than a upgraded tent.

A property inspection or review of recent upgrades/repairs is crucial.Private Lender Terms: What terms is the private lender offering (interest rate, duration, fees)?