.- Use tools like the BiggerPockets mortgage calculators to see how different interest rates and loan terms affect your cash flow.If you have more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask Good luck with your duplex venture

Until you exercise that option, you are essentially just a renter.

At that point I might be considered to be engaging in brokerage with my role reduced to a "lead generator" for my contacts/employers, the Buyers, who are essentially paying me a finders fee.

So essentially as an OOS investor I'm stuck as far as registering goes at the moment. 

You can force a tool like Pricelabs to work for MTRs, but it's not designed for it.

Next, it’s essential to identify the market where you plan to invest.

It can be an extremely powerful tool to start to scale. 

You can ballpark it here:https://www.servicetitan.com/tools/hvac-load-calculatorCould probably get away with 2 well placed mini splits.

I have little confidence in what a homeowners policy /w STR rider will cover, because no other insurer I've talked to is okay with this for an (essentially) full-time STR operation. 

It’s essential to do thorough due diligence and be ready for potential renovation costs.Starting in California makes sense since you’re local, making it easier to manage your first property.