Their business model dictates they want many resources looking for them for off market type stuff.I am working on an off market deal right now for about 70 million for 2 multifamily buildings for a multifamily office client buyer.

Don't allowemotions to dictate pricing.

Rent increases are normal when the market is dictating higher rents in your area.

You can argue over legal nuances, but the fact of the matter is that the landlord is acting like a dictator. 

I feel that since I'm not dictating the hours he works, where he has to be etc. under the laws of the IRS, he's not technically my employee.

The answer to that question will dictate what is a reasonable return. 

Depending on your personal assets (i.e. what your willing to risk), in the event a claim is made against your investment property, and how much RE you plan to buy long term, those factors should dictate whether you should get an LLC. 

(OR, once I've reached $1-2M in net worth I can cash out and live off an annuity.)Not sure if I'm thinking about that right, but that seems like the two primary "paths" -- not that they aren't interrelated, but it's relevant because it dictates how much of an appreciation play / vs / cash flow play you're going for.I'm 30, I'd love to make "the plan" to hit "the goal" at 50, that seems achievable, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around those 2 paths/end goals and how to "SWOT" the routes for achievability.

There's always added pressure on businesses to want to pay less but the market will dictate who is going to work those jobs.

trusses are a roofing component.If this is a condo, then the by-laws dictate anything related to structural issues...likely the association will need to decide what happens.Adding a bit of information on the ownership structure would be helpful.