@James Wise MICHIGAN UPDATE: new law went into effect January 2, that landlords can no longer discriminate on tenant income source.

@Gene D StephensAdverse possession laws vary by state. 

Also look at the rental laws in the areas you are considering, just so you understand what you are getting into and whether you are OK with them or not.

There are a couple of unique tax laws to real estate investors - 1031 exchange, bonus depreciation on certain improvements, Qualified Opportunity Zones, real estate professional status, etc.Make sure that the accountant you interview to understand the above concepts.best of luck!

I understand there are some protections that go along with it with all the law suits going around but hardly doubt they would go after an office with two agents in it.

We have not disabled ours or converted to gas, but Tenant must sign a Fireplace Addendum stating if they use it, we require a higher renter's liability policy with us as additional insured, rules on wood, storage, use, safety, they pay for yearly professional cleaning each year they are there, etc.  

As for Alexandria specifically in terms of regulations don't take advice from a public forum - look up the laws yourself and make sure you understand them.

Duplex can always add additional units via the ADU laws. 8) Related to number 1, purchasing a property with an existing ADU is cheaper than buying a property and adding an ADU.

You're feeding 2 dogs with one biscuit by taking care of your living expenses and generating rental income at the same time, and by living in the house and keeping it to 4, you generally get exemptions on things that might bother you to live with (IE you can choose whomever you want as your tenants without running afoul of fair housing laws).

Florida is a unique state for MHP law and the insurance has gotten very expensive there too.I recommend checking out @Frank Rolfe's mobile home university content if you haven't already.