It's always worth comparing rates and terms, as some lenders might be more aggressive with loan-to-value ratios, depending on the location and property condition.

Depending on your finances you don't necessarily need to start with a duplex, but I wouldn't go any more than 4 unit if you're going residential.

Selling for $380k means an $80k taxable gain at long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on income).The $80k HELOC used for personal debts doesn’t affect your taxes.A 1031 exchange could defer taxes, but you’d need to reinvest in another investment property, not a home for your mom.

It depends on a few factors: First, the fires.

Sometimes it's device dependent (either browser or phone problems).

Or, depending on the property you could go non-QM with like a DSCR loan and close in an LLC or partnership.

Plenty of other great groups depending on your focus.

You should have a good idea of every expense you have in your primary home, then add the STR specific:  (These are rough estimate numbers, depending on various factors)STR insurance - a special insurance that covers both the property and your liability, could be $2~4k in areas without natural disasters, could be more than $10k in some other areas.cleaning fee - approx. $50 per bedroom, so a 4-bedroom house will cost you about $150~200consumables - bathroom supplies, kitchen supplies, beverage supplies: $20~30 per week, depending on how much you providewear and tear - towels, linen, kitchen utensils, some furniture: $1000~2000 per yearRepairs/replacement for things that guests break or steal:  $1000~2000 per yearAlso, if your personal use is less than 14 days a year, the entire property's expense is deductible against STR income, but if you use more than 14 days, then you will have to calculate the proportion of how many days it's rented out vs how many days you or your family uses. 

Depending on your goals and how you are buying your properties you may notice that certain areas are difficult to cash flow in NH depending on your strategy and what type(s) of properties you are looking at. 

i think its the easiest asset class to understand that isn't stocks and a lot of peoples livings depend on marketing how perfect it is