@Tamara Troutt if you're into visualizations, imagine putting on a heavy duty raincoat/ iron shield before calls, and imagine the tomatoes and eggs they are throwing at you just sliding off it as you stay protected and clean in your shield.Just keep going!

It is also easier to just pull out a credit card instead of having to deal with cash...I know some will argue that this ease of use is dangerous due to the potential to spend money that i don't actually have...but rest assured, my social awkwardness far outweighs my urge to spend money when I do make it out of the house.  

They mow the grass, do some spring cleaning and clean the gutters once a year. 

I'm guessing I'll need to hire some people to clear all of her stuff out of there and clean it up, but I'm not sure. 

It would be easier to add more coverage right? 

I am wondering what advice you all might have, as properties in Florida higher, so should we look up north for a property that might be a bit easier for us to finance.

Stepping into a purchase with current tenants can be a lot easier, if the numbers are good.You might look at a HELOC on your personal home, but not until you have really worked through the risks. it would be awful to lose your own home on your first investment purchase.It has only been five months since your home purchase- how is your emergency fund?

Finding a duplex in OC for your price range is much easier than you might think.

The other reason is that it makes it a little easier to self manage......as far as the tenant is concerned, I'm the manager and a company owns the property. 

Are there any statutes or laws that make owning it for 6 years make the process easier?