Working with REI takes highly specialized knowledge that it takes a couple years to develop.I'd suggest the other direction.

Do you recommend special incentives for tenants?

Hi, I specialize in solar land deals.

Wanting to have a business of our own and also to have cash flow to supplement our income and life style.

The independent was the cheapest but the father and son team seems to be on top of their game a little better and they have a small support staff.To summarize Maintenance1) Plumber/HVAC2) General Handy Man3) Painter/Drywall Guy4) Roofer5) Electrician6) Garage Door GuyOperations1) Banker2) Accountant3) Title Company4) Realtor - until you buy a couple of houses using one they are really not going to give you any special treatment even though they tell you they will. 

The note would outline the terms you agree to, typically a set interest rate amortizing at 15 or 30 years, and in most cases a balloon (5 year, 7 years, for example), as you probably don't want to wait 30 years for all of your money.Get a good attorney that specializes in this. 

I am new to real estate investing, but hoping to start by generating some cash flow this year in order to supplement my current income. 

have 8 months under my belt so far and have endured as much or more "setbacks" as I've ever seen in all my years of land-lording (lots of appliance, A/C, idiot guests that demand refunds due to crumbs in the toaster [no joke], and the dreaded HOA Special Assessment.

Vacant properties require specialized insurance.

And it was simple, checks for the right amount, on time, every time, no exceptions, over a year, no special "well that time it was less because we bought silverware" or any of that.