Quote from @Olivia G Gonzalez: Hello everyone, I am hoping for some  insight!

Hopefully your state is landlord friendly.

I am looking to buy my first investment property and have seen strong fundamentals in Indianapolis (job growth, population and median wage).As an out of state investor, I am looking to connect with investors/agents in the area to build further knowledge on specifics with the markets and hopefully bring business to in the future!

Since your goal is to subsidize retirement, it’s worth considering how much leverage you want to carry as you transition out of your W-2 jobs.

Quote from @Jack Deer: Bruce LynnI was hoping that you would see my post.

I asked him if it would make his job easier if the city banned these, and he said "absolutely, but no one is going to do that."   

We would live in one half, rent the other and move out within a year once we find a better place to call home and then have both sides rented.2) We buy a home in our own names, not in LLC, with cash.3) Once we get jobs we can buy more duplexes in a different LLC, hopefully with a loan using equity from perhaps the other properties?

While she has been respectful and kept the home well-maintained, the late payments are a significant red flag, especially since it’s become a pattern over the course of the lease.You’ve found a potential new tenant with the financial stability to meet your needs, and I suggest you proceed with the screening process and hope the timelines work out for their desired move-in date.

(this is simplified but basically can't have a W2 job; must be FT real estate in some way)Short Term Rental Loophole -If an average guest stay during the year is 7 days or less and you materially participate in the property it is by definition non-passive. 

😎Not that this small motel needs financing hopefully, but what would a loan look like on a heavier deal I wonder?