It allows you to diversify into a portfolio of homes as opposed to putting all of your proverbial eggs in one basket.Be cautious tho as over the years I have witnessed countless investors buying properties in crappy areas, for more than they are worth and being passed on to crappy property management that nickel and dimes them to death (I guess all of those 15% "awesome" paper cap rates and promises of financial freedom aren't that awesome after all...)This is not just true for real estate deals but life in general (Your "piece of paper" degree does't necessarily dictate success in your chosen profession or your business)Real life experience is different to what any "piece of paper" says.In all reality guys it takes time to build financial freedom, and the more you can diversify your risk across multiple properties in your portfolio the less risk you bear in the long run.I may not be the smartest Aussie you have ever met, however I do understand a few basic rules that I follow on every acquisition I make.Strength in numbers, cash only, patience, and discipline.Let's talk about Strength first.Price point plays a big part of "strength in numbers" as it is safer to acquire 5 homes for a total of $350,000 as opposed to one for $350,000.What happens if "that one" property goes untenanted for 5 months?

I promise that I won't steal your handyman, just need occasional work done. 

Her packages were left hanging from the mailbox or had dropped on the ground.She then intimated to our inherited live-in Maint guy (who we also eventually evicted) that she would fake a fall, sue & split the money. 

I am from England, so my questions might be culturally related.Question 1: “Ghetto areas” in LA

I’ve found a few promising properties in LA zip codes that, according to Best Places & City Data, have high levels of violent crime.In the UK, we’d call such areas ghettos and they are not worth investing in, as the tenants lack income, the monthly rental prices are low, and the property management companies provide a poor service.

So I’m looking for a my first deal in roughly the next year, I’m located near Seattle but am curious if anyone in this area knows good neighborhoods or city’s that are looking more promising then others, I intend on starting with a duplex up to a 4plex, live in one an rent the other units out as my first deal.

I want to build a good relationship with them, so I don't want to ask them and seem like I don't know what I'm doing (fake it til you make it!). 

They rarely catch up or follow through once they get too far behind and break promises

No amount of money or promises will change a community owners mind...they know invesstors and their tennats will never follow through.

@Jim K.That's some interesting stuff but I promise you I'm not a marginal bob and my girlfriend isn't an alpha in the sense that you meant but she damn well isn't a beta either.

If the 1031 doesn’t look promising in our case, what are some other options?