I may have been listening to the podcasts too much (I'm through around half of them)I'm all for giving the current tenants a chance, but it seems like I have to just take them without knowing anything about them, no idea of how they were screened, their payment history, etc.This is just a duplex, is it a very common thing to sell an occupied unit (on the lower range, not 4plex+)?

A common question they like to ask is "So, how much are you looking to spend?"

You can buy another primary residence, and get the primary residence interest rate and low down payment options, as you see fit.There will be a BS test, since occupancy fraud is the most common type of mortgage fraud.

There is extraordinary differences on the legal/compliance side between the two.For a syndication, offering equity for investors is the most common way.There are many different fees and structures you can go with.I suggest learning the underwriting side of syndication deals before engaging an attorney.

The structural evaluation that is now required (should have been common sense) is being done for the first time in fifty years in some cases.  

But here seems to be the notes:"As an appraiser, we want to see (1) a closet, (2) a "normal" size window (not a basement-type window), (3) egress into a common area (can't go through another bedroom to get to it) and (4) above grade.

Insurance fraud is really common and it's the insurance companies 95% of the time.

Analysis paralysis is an avoidant behavior and a common manifestation of anxiety. 

The Midwest is a common place to look, but a lot of Californians also look at Nevada because it's right next door, taxes do NOT reassess on the sale, there's no state income tax, steady job/population growth, landlord friendly (especially compared to CA), and limited land (particularly in Reno). 

HELOCS are tough to get on investment . 2nd mortgages are more common upto 70% CLTV