And yes, he is still involved in one project from Financial Attunement.

This is a bit more involved, but as you scale, it is something you should consider.In response to your second question, I would say "yes" to allowing pets.

Investing close to home allows you to gain hands-on experience, learn the ropes, and be more involved in the day-to-day.

- Get involved in local meetups2.

Additionally, when comparing whether to build a single family portfolio or a comparable multi-family portfolio, you should also keep in mind the transactional costs involved.

Sometimes getting involved for a few years makes you realize you don't like it.

While the traditional approach involves buying a multi family property, living in one unit and renting out the other - with rising prices and interest rates; others have considered renting out bedrooms as unit spaces. 

You mention not a fan of landlording, great, the bank never get's involved in that stuff right. 

Yes you can get in without "military" involvement. 

People who are involved in anything tend to have an overinflated sense of self, ego and importance.