@Rebekah D Arnold @Bradley Cordell I would second what @J Benoit said regarding the lack of cash flow in these and other A neighborhoods.

Currently negotiating a deal for a pair of duplexes, offer will be 300k for both.  

I have a slight suspicion those are not real names, and this pair did not get rich from creative RE as they claim, but rather from selling books, seminars and grossly overpriced mentorships."

For repairs like roofing, siding, decks, etc expect that they will want more $ upfront because of materials which would be different than repairs that are more labor intensive and can be paired against rough/final inspection milestones.2.

I would definitely pair up with a good attorney as well.

If every month I give a percentage to a managing agent, I am fine, as long as I see long term growth, even pair gains for the first 6 months and then start growing. 

It was a single story with a slab, pairing that with my construction background I deemed the largest risk was my ability to sell it it when I was done, well that and I had very little money.

I find the most success when pairing my direct marketing with events and/or gifts.

I know current guidelines prefer comps within six months, but stable, low-turnover neighborhoods can often support a longer look-back period - especially for matched pairs analysis within a given subdivision.

STR's can charge a significant rate when a SFR is large and can accommodate for large amount of people whereas STR tenants prefer privacy and usually travel individually or in pairs so 2 bedroom properties work really well for them.