I just recently gave two tenants small coffee mugs with some candy at a duplex property we are going to acquire shortly.

Seems that Debt to income would be an issue for people.

As @Lumi Ispaswrote, the neighborhood is just NW of a super hot area in Chicago, its close to the train, I-90 highway, and bars/restuarants/coffee shops.

If your goal is to be an active real estate investor and call all of the shots, option 4 is your best fit.If you want to be semi-active and call some of the shots, option 3 may be a good fit.If you are looking to add real estate to your investment portfolio but don't want to be active (similar to the stock you own in companies managed by others or mutual funds that manage portfolios of stocks) then option 1 or 2 may be a good fit if you align yourself with a good sponsor.If you choose options 1 or 2, whether you choose to do that with Praxis or any other sponsor, the most important component is to thoroughly research the company.  

I found that area to be an excellent opportunity to create passive income and strong capital gains.Looking forward to connecting with you, who knows maybe even do a deal together!

Beans and rice style if you had to?

I'm not super familiar with how the VA/lender will consider your rental income, but I'm fairly positive it is able to be considered as income for qualification purposes, but there may be an asterisk there.

Maybe we can get coffee some time.

Anyone with experience in this area who can offer some words of wisdom would be an asset.Thanks

Taking the 55 cent/business mile deduction would no longer be an option.