B) Would prefer to install curtain rods now over blinds for most windows.

Personally I’d prefer having all my loans with one entity like my local credit union who doesn’t sell them and just have the payments come out of my account that I already have with them, keeping it as simple as possible. 

I've heard mixed reviews on it but we don't prefer to deal with Section 8 here, it's an arduous process.

I have about $400K to deploy, but would prefer to buy several duplexes rather than 1 more expensive building.

Some investors prefer to start saving for these ASAP, while others plan to deal with them when they happen.The unknown is Maintenance costs, which are often dictated by how "hard" a tenant lives in a property.

However, if you have the time and prefer to source properties on your own, I would highly recommend the following strategies:Connect with probate attorneysVisit property auctions: These happen monthly and, surprisingly, aren’t saturated with investors.Cold callingTarget LLC owned properties: Over the years we have seen an influx of companies purchasing SF for rentals/long-term holds and they failed to account for property taxes and an increase in new construction coming to the market.

Not to mention our building standards remain for most part that of colonial times, why, who knows, we just don't like to embrace brick block and cement for some reason and prefer sticks still. 

Whether or not you hire a PM or continue to self-manage, I think this comes down to your preference.

There are buyers that prefer any combination.

Read some books, preferably those written prior to 2015 when YouTube gurus started telling everyone how easy it is to buy 17 houses a year with no money down.Investing is pretty simple if you just follow the process investors were using since the beginning of time.