2) Are you pre-approved and have the down payment in your bank account?

Depending on when you see this response, I think Momentum 2025 could be a perfect fit for where you're at right now, it's a weekly 8-week virtual series going over all kinds of RE topics with the pros, there's time for Q&A and also everyone will have access to small accountability groups to network and bounce ideas off one another.

I also really like looking at a giant balance in a bank or brokerage account.

When I purchased the property, it had the basement with tenants but the rental income wasnt taken into account and it was just considered a two flat, as it had two units in addition to the basement.

I was heavy in RE but sold most in 2021 and appreciate the simplicity of a Vanguard TSM account as I head into the last 5 years before retirement. 

Instead of their cash sitting in a savings account, they decided it would be a better investment to earn 3% on their money instead of .03% in the bank.

They don’t have a retirement account. 

How do you know there are funds have you seen actual bank accounts ?

Is there really no way to hold shameless tenants accountable?

Make sure to account for property taxes, insurance, and any HOA fees, as those can vary significantly in different markets and impact your cash flow.