I have 3 accounts per property which helps me leverage APY on savings accounts, prevent funds from being comingled, and easily set up auto payments for things like mortgage payments and utilities. 

The mortgage and property taxes use up most of the income from rent.Don't focus on the number of rentals, focus on the quality of the rental. 

I'm a commercial mortgage broker and I'd love to connect to discuss debt financing strategies as you come across potential deals. 

in what I just laid out, you'd make monthly payments to the seller just like you would to a bank for 5 years, and then the remaining principal balance of the loan would be due, at which time presumably you would refinance the house into a commercial mortgage and use the proceeds to pay off the seller. 

California's probate rules can be drastic in the event of death that having a proper estate plan in place can help in any number of situations, including if just traveling or incapacitated.These are all things you will want to discuss with your attorney and CPA.

Or you'll have to do really costly renovations with proper permitting-- i.e take a 3/1 to a 4/3 to a neighborhood that seeks such size. 

If you're going to need a mortgage, you're locked out of the game. 

California Mortgage Relief Program). 

As a mortgage broker, I've got a 100% financing down payment assistance grant that allows for owner occupants to purchase a duplex.

Once you start hiring employees, it's smart to develop it out so you can train them properly and so there is a documented reference guide.