The IRS imposes stringent standards on digital information security, and not all tax pros are willing to deal with them.

We do include a warranty on all major systems, so the 2nd one is just as important to us, as we don't want the exposure of unnecessary repairs. 

I want to start small, learn the ropes, and avoid taking large unnecessary risks.Any advice on how to get started (meetup recommendations, reading suggestions, etc)?

 Many are probably just lazy and find it " unnecessary" to provide so much information "just to view." 

Putting 70k down is unnecessary, speaking just for my brokerage we only ask for 10k down for deals within the 250 - 350k price range.

If you discover the repair was unnecessary or that it was due to abuse/neglect by the Tenant, then you can charge the Tenant for the bill.

(Remember that these are state averages, and individual cities may impose additional taxes.)What does the difference in overhead costs mean to you as an investor?

You clearly do not want them to stay as they are costing you money and causing you unnecessary stress.

LLCs are often unnecessary and can have an impact on your loan terms as well (i.e., a lender will often provide better terms if they are underwriting you - backed by your assets - vs. your LLC which has nothing in it).

Then a decade later everyone has the same regret they didnt buy more and get over their self imposed constraints