Hello all,I am a homeowner looking to supplement my income by purchasing a second home, preferably a duplex, and renting it out.

In this case, you walk into the sunset because your LLC has no assets, while the property owner loses his/her property and maybe faces their own liability if they don't have enough supplemental insurance? 

And being that you're just looking to supplement your $15K, you may be able to get what you're looking for. 

I'm looking toward retiring from my 9 to 5 job in about 10 years, and want to supplement my 401(k)/IRA and Social Security (if it's still around) income. 

More specifically, I am looking for investment vehicles other than "playing the stocks" in which to generate long-term wealth and an additional supplement to retirement.

Audrey your aunt would not want you in danger for monetary gain.Find another way to help supplement the payment if your aunt needs it.How many more years of college do you have before graduating??

The cynic in me says that REI is not giving them enough cash flow and they need something else to supplement it...

It isn't my best lead source by far, but it can be a good supplement.

My wife and I started out buying a two-unit apartment house about 7 years ago with a similar goal... buying 1-2 small multifamilies per year to hold and pay off the mortgages to cash flow supplemental income.

No I wouldnt I dont over pay knowingly ever but for someone who wants to supplement their retirement with out having to deal with houses all over the place over paying for the house next door might just work for them.