There is a large population of low income persons who are poorly integrated and somewhat centralized.

In addition, you want a separate bank account for the rental property to separate it from your personal accounts.

I have a great recommendation hard money flip lender I could recommend that we personally use for all of our deals and that I have shared with some of my clients.

Personal criteria, building criteria and area criteria will all affect the way a deal appears on paper. two 100 unit apartment complexes, one in an A area and one in a C+ area will have very different financial breakdowns and interest groups.Want to know if a deal is good (for you)?

I'm also starting off my own personal investment property journey with my husband. 

There are any number of Real Estate schools available to you, so choose the one that compliments your learning style, whether that be online or in person or a hybrid. 

The idea of debt-free is that if a person is going to retire and has to completely depend on the income, they don't want a severe recession surprising them and causing them to default on the debt and losing the properties.In a normal world, I would do that as well.

The question is mostly a personal financial planning question and it depends on your preference and what balance of risk and access you'd like and would be comfortable with.

I personally think it is best to work with local professionals with a good track record. 

He's been the only person I've communicated with in the past.