.: I haven't passed this past legal review so for what its worth: Part of my standard requirements for everyone include income is at least 3X rent, minimum credit score, say 640, Clean record and no evictions as well as deposit is paid in full at signing of lease and 1st month rent is paid in full prior to handing over the keys.

I reviewed Rent Redi, Appfolio, Buildium, TurboTenant, and Yardibreeze.

I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

It was all really quick, and the time to complete everything happened a lot faster than I expected (which was a good thing).I was worried at first that I had to use all the partners that Rent to Retirement had, but it was really easy for me to shop around for different lenders with different terms and rates, insurance providers, and property management company.

Some of them continue to get positive reviews because investors receive their distributions like clock work.

Unfortunately each one is worth 25k. thank you  traditional lenders are not going to finance these properties.

Lenders don’t pay for problems.

3.5% down is offered through a FHA lender.

They expect you to live in one unit, BUT I have never heard of anyone from the lender go and  check in on you to see if you are actually living there. 

You'll likely want someone that can handle A to Z with marketing, pricing, cleaning, maintanence, decor, websites, reviews etc.