I used to do background checks but I noticed the website I used never actually did background checks.

I actually joined Chad Griffith industrial group.

I actually like them because the homeowners' association (HOA) usually covers most of the insurance, and there is very little maintenance required.

You should reach out to @Melissa Haworth she can get the actual numbers/rents on STRs in the area to help run your comps.Each building is different, each area is different, it is important to find accurate data to make good decisions.

I have found that Redfin actually has pretty good search parameters to where you can look for listings that have been sitting a while that fit your buy box, and you can even do keyword searches for things like "as is", "investor", "seller financing", "guest house", etc. depending on what you are looking for.

Fannie Mae will allow you to transfer the deed to an LLC if you decide to try to go the conventional route, but the loan would still be in your names and you'll need to pay a title company a second time post-closing to do this  for you. 3) I can't speak for the area so no comment there4) If you're self managing, make sure you find vendors you can trust in the area since you won't be able to easily verify if an HVAC guy, plumber, etc. is trying to rip you off and tell you to buy something you don't actually need. 5) Make sure you have clear alignment of goals and a clear operating agreement that spells out what to do if those goals start to not align in the future since you'll be jointly obligated to these properties. 

I am actually closing on my first duplex in Milan in a couple of weeks.

A buyer I connected with through Bigger Pockets actually.

And end of year actuals never pencil out like the spreadsheet...I'm not saying that it's a bad idea; I would just urge you to proceed with extreme caution.

, is Freddie Mac my actual lender, what is the “secondary market”, Freddie & Fannie’s Mission, etc. 15.