Sometimes only one person to help you and they're not quick, or not cheap, or you just don't like the way they work? 

Earning an extra 3% on $2k that you’re likely holding for less than a year.

If you’re looking to make real estate your new job and to earn cash now to use and live on like a job, then go for cash flow.

No, you cannot "write off a new truck every 3 years" as those YouTube professors suggest.Prepay or delay personal itemized deductions.

Have you started going to in-person real estate investing meetups yet? 

It's usually better to earn $200 less a month for one year than to sit vacant for two months, particularly in the winter.Consider a bigger drop for a 6-month lease to get through winter, then increase rent or find a new renter in the spring when competition is hotter.

After hearing about, and personally encountering some horror stories of disagreements between homeowners and contractors, I am wanting to establish a clear contract to use with a new general contractor. 

if you have an LLC and both properties are under it, you just need 1 operating account.If both are under your personal, 1 bank account specifically for the rental is enough for operating.Security Deposits should always be a separate account altogether.

I use Baselane, personally.

I am 100% ok with my w2 providing me income to maintain my life and grow a nest egg for the later aspect of life   Its been rewarding to see this transition personally.