Is it a straight yes, we should always have landlord insurance, or there is another basis depending on the equity/geographics/law that makes a landlord choose whether to have it and reduce their cash flow or leave it and accept a high risk?

It's possible the duplex lot exists due to a mortgage description, but in the deed still includes the rear triangle.

But I also list for my flipper friends because they know I will get them as high as they can go by doing everything the right way with listing descriptions, high-end photos, videos, floor plans, maps, response time for showings, Open Houses, etc.In my opinion, if I see a flipped property that comes out as a FSBO I think the flipper is cheap and also was cheap in the renovation.

It seems to me that I am able to find homes that fit this description for around 325k but since this is the first home I will be purchasing I am not certain that I am not missing something.

@David MathewsThis post was very informative and I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a detailed description of your thought process.I asked this question because my mentor Rachel Fazio gave me her advice and then told me I should ask all of you!

I'm so glad that I'm able to get in touch with you since you can relate with what I am trying to achieve while also coming from the same geographic background.

Below is a description of what I think are the costs of being a realtor in PA:one time:Education: ~$300 (varies, you can shop around)Exam provider fee: $54 (have to pay to the state)Background check: $10 (have to pay to state police)ongoing:Sales Person fee: $107 every 2 years (have to pay to the state) Local REALTOR associations: ~$300-500 (not clear if this is necessary or not or what benefits it provides, seems like some brokers force you to have it though)MLS access: $250 per year (not necessary but probably worth it to access better data)Lock box key: ~$200 per year (not clear if this is required for entering properties)Alternatives to getting a license:There is a startup in CA that offers a flat fee buyer's representation (they give the buyer the 3% commission minus a flat fee of $1K-$5K depending on the home value).

I have rentals in the east bay in Oakland and Concord and although our markets are close geographically it seems like SF is light years in a different direction when it comes to rentals.

There is something inherently wrong in the description of this product. 

She wrote a very vague description of the house and I had to speak with her multiple times to edit it.