They get new jobs, get divorced, break up with their boyfriends/girlfriends, have fights with their roommates, and then they just move.You can’t physically force them to stay, and the reality is you can’t even usually legally hold them to the full obligation of the lease because almost every state requires the landlord to mitigate damages and make a reasonable effort to re-rent the place to another tenant.So whose hands are really tied by longer leases?

I read some article a while back that made it sound like anyone who doesnt raise rent every year is an unprofessional sucker and kept finding articles pretty much reinforcing that attitude.My gut feeling told me it would be a mistake, but I like to get as much advice as I can.

Secondly I look for good "bones"/physical condition to keep operating expenses down.

I have looked through many articles and have learned a ton about the 20% pass through.

I think it all depends on your comfort level and how much you actually want to be physically present.  

@Ravi Kiran here is article about structuring that you might find helpful that I saw on another thread. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/460294-how-to-cash-out-1-4-unit-property

You can save:- Save from work for your next downpayment- Create value at work and get a promotion / bonus / commissions- Create a side gig(s) (here is a great article)- Let the value of house #1 grow and harvest / leverage it- Flip another home to create capital- BRRRR any property to create value- Find a capital partner or lender whom you can provide value toThere are so many ways... 

You don't need an agent who is in the REI market, but I do find that if you can lean in that direction that the connections and recommendations for the type of REI you want to do will come much more easily.Make sure you only work with licensed and insured contractors - they're responsible for the financial and physical success of your project and it is key that you're working with a reliable professional.With all that in mind - check out central Indianapolis.

The goal here is a) to demonstrate a history of income, and b) to demonstrate that you have assets (financial or physical), which may back your investment.

I've been reading a lot about real estate and often see headlines of articles or podcasts with things like "From $20k to 40 rental units in 2 years."