From reading Millionaire Next Door awhile back, the author recommended total mortgage debt to be no more than double your annual income (pre-tax).I was close to this when purchasing our first home a couple of years ago.

Each unit is roughly 800 sq feet (there are three total units).

I have bought three properties in the last two years for a total investment of $65000. 

I just acquired 3 occupied duplexes, a total of six units under a new LLC and a new loan, which are all managed by a local firm.

I feel like the way I have been doing things has been working fine, but I have only been doing this a few years, and since I was a bit shocked by the negativity I am hoping to find out if there is a general consensus on renting to room mates that I had totally missed.

Meaning, if you are just looking to flip then a hard money lender might be totally fine to seek out. 

My guess is they could be international investors that need to park their money somewhere stable or people betting on further appreciation?

For you that may not know that is 1% of the total cost of the properties monthly rental income (example $100,000 home renting for $1,000).  

I'd bet on you and people like you who have that type of focus and commitment all day long. 

Unfortunately, going in person is by far the best bet, but I know how inconvenient it can be.