@Oli HarpsTo manage your Oakland 4-plex effectively, stay informed about the local market, build local connections, conduct thorough tenant screening, consider value-add opportunities, decide whether to self-manage or hire a property management company, network with local investors, plan for growth through scaling your portfolio, explore financing options, and stay informed about the local market through online communities and resources.

The mortgage will stay in the name in which the home was originally purchased. 

I've been slowly updating -- new kitchen and bath in one unit, Fresh paint throughout, etc

If you wanted the REP designation in the future, you can have your signficant other qualify and that would allow you to qualify (e.g. a stay at home wife) or you can take a consulting role resulting in the real estate being your full time gig.

Chances are stay away from new homes. 

The house is now worth approximately $315k.Initially, we thought we'd stay here long-term, but we ended up with a larger house than we need.

There is no way I can bundle the entire cleaning fee into the nightly rate, as my average stays are 3 or 4 days. 

Stay Strong.

(going from 6.75 to 5.5-5.75) What I fear is that this forces me to stay in the property again for another 12 months.

I see you've specified you're looking to stay on the Iowa side of the river, which I think is a wise choice.