Additionally, please share if this was a scam or not.

Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.

Additionally, another neighbor who owns an adjacent parcel has expressed interest in joining the project, contributing their land to the development as well.I believe this could be a great opportunity for all of us, especially as a unique retirement plan for my family and my neighbors.

Additionally, many deals tend to fly under the radar, so networking within organizations like NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) can help uncover opportunities.If anyone reading this is considering selling their property management company in Texas, feel free to share—I’m genuinely interested in connecting.

If they’re underfunded, you could get hit with special assessments.Not sure about the exact contract with the tenants, but I assume if there is any additional assessment, it would be tenants’ responsibility.Since you want to stay local and focus on cash flow, commercial makes sense, but have you considered industrial or flex space? 

While sophistication of your equity partners (private money lenders) will vary between residential and commercial, the principle of raising private capital is the same.You need to develop your own system which allows a constant stream of PML even when you don't need the funds and/or don't have an active deal under contract.For example; I raise private capital by offering free educational workshops for people with self-directed IRAs.

Then it really grows with each additional one. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

There are also additional costs of operating and maintaining an LLC, like separate bank accounts, annual report filings, tax filings, etc.2.

Additionally, while rates aren't historically bad right now, they are higher than 4-5 years ago, and they will be even higher for you as an investor than they were as an owner occupant, which is what you were when you bought originally.I get that you are anxious to add to your portfolio, but that could be achieved without touching your first golden goose.Sometimes on BP, the push is to leverage every last spare penny, but that can be a risky game as the markets shift.