Ss I have gotten further into the project and I am seeing the reality of the numbers (including taxes), it has made me question if I would be better off to do a cash out refi at 6 months and then sell after the first lease ends to maximize the payout and reduce the taxes.

I agree with people saying that you really need to cash flow at least $100 a door in order to build up any reasonable reserve and handle costly turnovers.

This helps to further reduce interest and the thought of having to pull money out (borrowing more) is said to have a dissuading effect on people and the tend to become a bit more frugal.  

Account Closed yes putting that clause in your lease will reduce maintenance request, because they won't report (or fix) any problems.

My strategy is usually if I don't want to lose one month rent waiting for tenant which equates $100 reduction in rent, I would rather reduce that and get it rented and move on.. 

My markets (Arizona, Texas, Washington) are doing very well right now, thank you very much.I saw a chart that basically Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle are too hot to handle.

Just to be specific: If I’m handling the initial mortgage, then only getting private money for the rehab cost, would I still give first position? 

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.Found a lot of good resources (such as 'Handyman Matters') for handling my real estate investments. 

I basically figured I could reduce my dad's rent (he pays 45% less) and pay the overwhelming majority of the costs by renting out the other unit.

I can handle everything from purchase to stabilization and management.