Using this word is also used to divide the populace and probably somewhere back there the Tavistock Institute is involved to try to shape society.   

I have a lot of colleagues in the institutional value-add space and they always buy the property outright to keep things clean but really like this idea. 

Check with the urban land institute.

Since instituting this system two years ago, I very rarely have a tenant leave owing more than we have on file.

Perhaps your first foray into that investment should be limited to a limited percentage of your net worth, and as you obtain more experience in that particular investment your financial participation can increase.Many investment to today are indirect, i.e., instead of purchasing real property directly you purchase through a syndication.  

Your role as a landlord is to collect rent and respond to maintenance requests (generally speaking), not to get involved with tenant squabbles.Going forward consider instituting an early termination fee clause in your lease.

I've handled funding loans all by myself but might need to start participating with other lenders/investors.

the best part of BP is how supportive and sharing everyone is so I always like to participate in the exchange of data when I can !

As you are looking at investments, I encourage you to include in your thinking that your 401k money may be able to participate in your chosen strategy.

Biggerpockets is far more geared towards us new investors so you'll find a skewed voice from participants on the boards.