Also, how much time do you want to spend doing real estate vs. your main job or extra work in order to fund it.

The pet fee or deposit for the move in of 2 cats (you did charge one, I hope) should have just about covered the extra anyway.

If you’re only thinking about making an extra $10,000 per year, or even doubling your salary, it’s possible you’re thinking too small.

from those I know the way they got going was to buy a 4 plex when it went up in value sell and buy an 8 when it went up sell buy a 16  then a 40 then 100 extra and you need no partners.. you grow it organically. however of course this is not pay 40k and your instantly an apartment owner..

Deep down, he worries he’s not successful, confident, or attractive enough to "deserve" a beautiful partner.

(I work with some challenging populations and the extra effort has paid off in these situations.) 

I’m also looking into self-settled spendthrift trusts to add an extra layer of protection, especially as my portfolio grows.

Real estate investmnets are capital intensive and if you don't have extra money sitting around to make the emergency repair when it happens you'll find yourself in a terrible position. 

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

I have found that going that extra mile, like the couch covers etc and making sure the person with the disability has the easiest time visiting our place.As someone with a disability (I have a degenerative neurological disorder) and use a cane, I like to make sure folks with similar issues have a good time.