I’m a fairly new investor, currently with only one STR/MTR duplex in Indiana, and I’m looking to develop new skills in order to improve my personal income to help expedite a second rental investment.I am a touring musician, and also have 5+ years of bookkeeping experience for one of my small businesses, and I run the books for my one duplex as well.

That said, expect to deal with a fair amount of fluff leads.The two best strategies I’ve found are inbound methods: direct mail and Google Ads.Direct mail can be expensive, but it can also yield highly discounted properties.Google Ads, on the other hand, doesn’t require data extraction like calls, direct mail, or texting.

I would recommend doing a "reduced" (~60%-70%) leverage refinance which would help drive your rate down as much as possible and hopefully still maintain the cash flow that you would like to have, especially since they are free and clear.If you were to go the portfolio route, I would confirm with the lender you use what their 'occupancy requirement' is.

Fair callout.

But in reality a mortgage at 50% that’s recourse and cross collateral will in all probability not result in anything different as the chances of the lender having to look beyond the subject property are fairly remote. 

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

Financial freedom isn't just about replacing your current income; it's about maintaining your desired lifestyle for the rest of your life.

2) If the lease that the tenant agreed to included them maintaining the front yard/ landscaping - is it reasonable to deduct a 1 time yard clean-up from their security deposit? 

After contacting four insurance agents, I've been consistently told that I need to purchase two separate policies: one for standard coverage and another for liability.The only option presented to me is the California Fair Plan, which offers limited coverage.

I am fairly new to MTR and was curious what vacancy and lead times tend to look like around this time of year?