For example, using 70-80% leverage could preserve your cash for more deals while maintaining strong returns.A blended approach might work: pay cash for smaller deals to avoid delays and borrow on more significant properties to spread risk.

Rents can’t realistically continue to appreciate at the rate they were if we are to maintain a healthy housing sector.

Along the way I've learned a lot of trade skills as well which goes a long way helping to maintain assets. 

Since they are responsible for maintaining the relationship with you after the transaction closes, this approach adds an extra layer of confidence and security to your investment. 

AND the side you live on you can rent out a room or two depending on the number of rooms in your duplex or you have the option to maintain your privacy and sanity and keep it to yourself.  

I know that the west coast has lower cash flow with the higher prices, but seems like you are in a good spot if you can maintain that average.My state doesn't have state income taxes, what a blessing! 

To thrive in real estate investing, you must maintain a firm grip on your finances.

Sometimes the tenants are coming from shelters or other communal type of housing where maintaining a space my not be solely there responsibility so maintaining the unit may not be to your liking. 

That is something I would for sure have to look into as, according to your post, it seems like the timeline for mid-term rentals kind of lines up with the amount of time that we would be gone each year, which would work out well and probably require less of a hassle of trying to maintain the property after each stay for Air BnB.

So, you can do a land contract for 12 months, which should allow lender to credit you full value of the land vs the purchase price, but the loan will pay off the land contract, so the lender maintains first lien position.Can't help you with the rest of your question, but you should be able to search for "CPA" here on BP to find experts to reach out to.