I’ve concentrated in South Lowell, but Lower Belvidere is attractive as well  I’d have to agree with you re: the screening process...we avoid vacancies like the plague, but will never short change our screening requirements!

@Lee Babin - Nice to see another member here from HRM.I have a similar story - long time lurker on the forums and have been concentrating on career and education till now (MBA, CPA).

I have a decent paying job making around sixty thousand a year but it's a very stressful and unfufilling job. my plan is to buy a duplex and house hack so I can afford to pursue a different career but not sure whether to be a real estate agent or broker. for now I'm just concentrating on saving some Capital for when the real estate corrects it's self I will be ready to buy

ERGO I think if one concentrates on Performing debt.. much easier to acquire and the returns a lot more consistent..

I would concentrate on finding the best home in the best neighborhood for your family that will give you the best FAMILY situation for the next 3-5 years. 

Concentrate your cash and buy the minimum KC properties to satisfy your exchange and then refi after you complete the 1031at your leisure to purchase addl KC properties.2.

Concentrate on local banks or credit union for residential loans if you pursue a duplex. 

Individuals usually are lower traffic units maybe duplex, 4 plex, single family homes.Were a property management company has usually lots of tenants in a very concentrated area.Individual don't have as many amenities usually like a pool or work out room but peace and quite are priceless.I think each can be as attentive as the other to their residents needs.

So far, we are thinking of concentrating on Mandarin, Julington Creek, Beauclerc and San Marco areas.

Assuming you have saved every possible penny during your two years of work you may possible be in a position to start.In the interim you should concentrate on your studies.Just my opinion as a investor that does not believe that investing  is the best thing in the world for everyone.