just some things to think about.in addition to the BP family of podcasts, the rental income podcast with Dan Lane is a great podcast and he interviews a lot of medium size landlords who aren't flashy but really know what they're doing.

From: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p925#en_US_2022_publink1000...Qualifications.You qualified as a real estate professional for the year if you met both of the following requirements.More than half of the personal services you performed in all trades or businesses during the tax year were performed in real property trades or businesses in which you materially participated.You performed more than 750 hours of services during the tax year in real property trades or businesses in which you materially participated.Don’t count personal services you performed as an employee in real property trades or businesses unless you were a 5% owner of your employer.

In addition to furnishings, t will need work (such as new countertops) to meet my vision for upscale couples retreat.

The structure can be replicated by adding an additional FLT and FLLC1 per property.Privacy:The title to the property will be WLLC as trustee of the FLT.

Oh, and if you're living in the duplex yourself there are additional considerations like 121 exclusion and home-office expenses and depreciation. 

Many lenders will charge additional rate increase if loan is under $150K.

Thats perfect addition to his reviews. 

Further, if you want access to MLS, there is an additional fee.

Additionally, what are your thoughts on doing a vacation rental as your first investment property?

You don't want to rely on a single large employer to the extent that if they close up shop the whole town goes bust.2.