For your first one don't bite off more then you can chew.

I think Landlords are better off using strong policies, knowing the law, acting quickly and professionally.

Or just strangers off the street you met at a REI group? 

You can do a lot off of spreadsheets in the beginning, but eventually you need automation. 

Because after purchasing the new rental for $700K that leaves them $300K initially, so take $260K to pay off their mortgage, and still enough left to cover a good chunk of the taxes owed. 

Not blowing off their communications and things like that go a long way.

I was more focused on building the portfolio, and it paid off, as I scaled to 50+ rental units in 5 years.I started my own PM when I moved to a different market because I wasn't confident I could find one as good as my previous manager.

Hi David, you need a discounted propety, have you tried hyper focusing on off-market properties in your desired area.  

Obviously there are risks if I get laid off and would loose all the tax savings and be paying out of pocket for the property, but are there other things that I should consider?

Some of them even walk off the job, even after they pull permits and are technically responsible for the work.