But, for instance, I sent them a notice of rent increase effective February 1 and needed them to confirm that they have accepted the new payment terms through our electronic payment system, and even after repeated notices, they are not responding.

I’d open a new note on my iPhone and start asking them questions about their home, which I made up on the spot.

Always spot on and professional! 

I’ve been in a similar spot, and you’re absolutely right—sometimes the quickest, most cost-effective route is the one that feels counterintuitive at first.

Build a solid foundation before taking a step up - each and every step of the way.There’s a way to scale recklessly and there is a way to scale safely.When OPM is involved safe is way better than reckless.Despite a life long career in RE, I scaled as followsBought a few duplexes for my own accountBought a fourplex for my own accountBought 12 units as a JV with some friendsSyndicated 43 unitsSyndicated 30 unitsBought another 12 units as a JVSyndicated 281 unitsThis was over a 3 or 4 year period.and so forth - now I am GP in close to 1000 units with $125M AUM.Even with all that, my sweet spot is 30 to 50 unit properties - they work best for my partners and I and more importantly our investors. 

Nick,Between Dayton and Middletown those are two great spots to buy a 2-4 unit in as an investment rental.

The theory is spot on, in practice however that logic rarely plays out - at least in recent years where multifamily has been crazy.

It was kind of a bad spot in my life at the time.

@Jay Hinrichs This is a great point and you may be spot on with it.

Your post is spot on.