So are you spending $100s of dollars per property prior to the tax deed auction for title research? 

A little more info, I am doing a full cosmetic rehab on one of the units and a lighter one on the other but I am assuming if I am going to split the utilities I should do that prior to any rehab. 

That way you wouldn't need an extra policy.

It's really your choice if you want to select a home that has already been leased prior to closing or not. 

I started out house hacking prior to getting married.

-Have an extra umbrella policy-Speak with my real estate attorney to make sure I did enough to limit my liability. 

(Usually you cannot use prior employer history until you have been at your new job for 6 to 12 months, depending on the underwriter to show that you are maintaining the same level of bonus/overtime/commission income that you had at your prior employer).

Just make sure to look into the HOA’s financials, rules, and rental policies before buying.

For example, I work closely with a PM down here in Charlotte so I know what they're going to be recommending for updates/work to be done prior to getting a tenant in place.

If you're running a large portfolio then you would have policies and procedures.