I did not want to spend 50K on doing separate meters for where I have my rentals it would cost me this much.

You will also quickly learn how to manage properties well instead of spending decades figuring it out like most investors.

If you are able to manage it yourself, I think you will get a lot of very helpful education in real estate by spending a least a year or two doing that.You'll be able to work with property managers a lot better if you've done the work yourself for a bit, and it also helps to get familiar with the various laws and regulations you have to comply with as the owner, even if you do have a property manager in place (e.g., the new RI rental registry and associated lead paint inspections/certificates).It's up to you whether you're able to do it, but I think you'll get a lot out of the experience if you can try it for a year or two.

I “assume” they meant you wouldn’t defer all your taxes if you used leverage on a $450k purchase instead of “spending” all your cash.

THEN, I plan to purchase the second home using a FHA or conventional loan (3%-5% down), for which I will likely pay the monthly cost out-of-pocket, maybe with some rental income support if it is a duplex.My concern is, I do not want to spend my savings or weigh down my debt-to-income ratio so much so that I cannot qualify for and pay the down payment and closing for the lending on the second home.Questions: - With the first home being multi-family, 75% of the rental income (or potential rental income initially) will relatively either maintain or boost my debt-to-income ratio from lenders' perspectives, right? 

You can spend as little as $100 to form an LLC, or you could use an attorney and spend $1,000 or more.

I’m based out of Lehi, Utah, and have always been fascinated by the potential of real estate to create opportunities and build wealth.After spending time learning about the industry and what it takes to succeed, I’m ready to dive in and start making deals happen!

Hope to spend more time here in retirement.

Insurance doesn't cover anything anymore and we can almost just pay for all damages with the money we spend on it! 

(e.g. peace w/ Israel, gambling legalization, etc.)