This is my first real estate venture, so I want to pose the question to the community for advice.The duplex is in SE Tacoma area and listed at $245,000.  

It's in the SE corner of Dallas County.

My dad will be moving to SE Michigan (Metro Detroit).

@Dean Cravy I have a bunch of properties in SE Texas, and my absolute favorite area is Sour Lake.

Looks like I found the SE CT folks!

I'm not familiar with New Port Richey, but I can say from experience that MH investing in SE Florida is very different than GA.

I need insurance recommendations for flips in SE Michigan.

Hi Raisa,No, I don't know of any factories per se but I do have direct knowledge of some of the individuals that were involved in the Orlando venture (that I evaluated) and they were genuine.

If it's just liability protection my $1M umbrella policy costs me ~$250/yr which is less than the minimum franchise tax board tax of 800/yr, SE tax exposure for yourself, etc.Also, it maybe a disregard entity (single member llc), which means it's all reported on one's 1040 schedule C.I learned all of this the hard way

:Would this pass scrutiny:-1099 you as a quasi Security detail to keep an eye on the place & (if you collect rents) ensure financials are delivered to a secure facility.It may pass scrutiny but it would still be ordinary income subject to SE tax.. which I THINK is what the OP was trying to avoid by proposing the master lease idea :)