Okay so is there a need for an LLC which has some terms in the operating agreement? 

And having some operating income is ideal but not necessary if I expand through HELOC and refinances.

.✅ HVAC System – Ensure heating and cooling systems are operating efficiently.✅ Electrical – Identify faulty wiring or outdated equipment that could be a safety hazard.✅ Plumbing – Detect leaks or hidden damage before they escalate into major expenses.A small investment in a home inspection can save you thousands in unexpected repairs and help protect your bottom line.Do you get a property inspected before making an investment decision?

With a bit of planning and good operations, one can easily manage 20 to 30 properties without an assistant, with less than a day or two a month.There's lots of automated ways to check on rent, make deposits (my tenants deposit directly into a bank account), receive maintenance requests, have maintenance done, etc., etc.One thing I could argue is to have your tenants ONLY email you, especially for maintenance requests, and that email goes directly to the vendor that you have set up to handle it.

. $40k a year for not doing much is a great investment on $40k unless you are putting in a ton of work into the property.Who operates the property?

I wouldn't get it tangled up with the operations/financials of the property.

If you are going to pay for mentorship, find an experienced operator in your market or better yet, offer to invest in the experienced operators projects and get an inside look at their process and systems.

Open to all suggestions.Hi Drew, happy to refer you over to my investor friendly PMs here in Columbus Ohio - they are the best in the business and super responsive/communicative and have done an amazing job for both me and my clients!

Until about a couple months later, i opened my eyes a little bit more and the entire operation was sketchy.

These guys operate like flies on the wall.