I plan on doing all the ground work myself regarding any upkeep and managing.

I plan on doing all the ground work myself regarding any upkeep and managing.

Don't give up, keep pushing, keep calling banks. 

In most states, you are required to make a "good faith effort" to find a replacement tenant as quick as possible.Don't forget the tenant that left is also responsible for utilities and upkeep until a new tenant is placed or the 30 days are up.

You are right about the property management bit in that three-families generally require more maintenance and upkeep vs. condos, but the returns are fare more superior. 

I only say that because dealing with contractors is a PITA so if you have one on your team he is worth his weight in gold in my opinion.

My duplexes do receive an income approach to value when appraised, but because it is residential, the comps carry much more weight. 

This would still be fully refundable to the tenant and is a nice way to save up for their next place, be it another rental or a purchase while giving the LL more security.I ask because I get the impression that tenants often find a sense of comfort with their LL's over time and are more likely to get lacks in their upkeep of a property over time.

I spent about 6-8K on the back and current taxes plus up keep on the property so I didn't get code violations, I have it under contract for 40K. 

We're fortunate in that the weighted average interest rate on both her and my student loans are pretty low.