nice, we've been looking at making one of these in-house, seems like a challenge but if executed well should payoff quickly

I also am fine closing my purchase in cash, and refinancing shortly thereafter (or even down the road in 6-12 months).So for my questions:1) I've spoken with some mortgage brokers- they all seem to charge a lot of upfronts and are telling me I need to do a DSCR loan.

RCN Capital - Never used them, but seem to be legit Roc Capital - Used them, be careful here, if you don't do your proper due diligence with the deal, you will end up with an unhappy borrower.

For my first house hack, it was actually pretty straight forward. 

It seems like gripes with PM companies have been a common theme lately.

.- OP has not indicated they will involve HOA even though multiple replies suggest doing so.OP asks for advice, but seems to ignore it.  

Tenant screening often seems to get overlooked because landlords know the income is automatic, but the problem becomes the repairs and maintenance. 

I've looked at the fastest growing areas in other states and while I think you can profit from real estate everywhere, perhaps with a different strategy, investing in the fastest growing areas in the state seems to me to give an edge or a push in the right direction.David KrulacBigger Pockets Podcast #82

Seems like an overkill and all you need is an insurance policy as any good attorneys first question will be "how much did the LLC who is to be separate from you pay for the property" - when the answer is zero and it was gifted. the next question will be do you gift properties to others as well?

I grew up a Carpenter, so being able to rent a unit and fix the other seems like a low risk option for getting started.