Knowing my situation, if my wife and I were doing something like this, I'd be OK with buying something sooner and cheaper, but my wife would prefer to wait a little longer to save more to buy something nicer.

Over the next couple of years, I don’t plan to use the property often, but I may stay there occasionally when it’s not occupied.

Maybe a policies and procedures binder doesn't seem like an important thing with management of a couple of duplexes.

Ask their customer service to walk you through the above options if needed.It shouldn't take more than a couple hours of research to try out the top platforms and identify which feels the best for you.

U have to understand the mind set of many people in these markets THEY PREFER to rent they dont want to own.. its not like someone on the Coasts in high priced markets where they have seen folk get wealthy just owning a few homes. and your not adding in Property tax and maintenance.. folks that are/were renters just dont have the same mind set when it comes to taking care of the property or the cash to do so.But until you try it and actually talk with those in the market there is no way of knowing that many of these folks simply prefer to be renters..

Or should I wait it out a couple of years until I have a larger amount saved up.

I lived in Austin for a couple years.

a couple of years.)

If there is a choice to be made, it comes down to what an investor "likes" or prefers about one over the other? 

Couple questions for you, as I am an agent and aspiring investor.