By signing below, applicant(s) give permission to (1) current and former employers to release any information about applicants’ employment history and income history to the above named person;(2) current and former landlords to release any information about applicants’ rental history to the above named person; (3) current and former mortgage lenders on property that applicants’ own or have owned to release any information about mortgage payment history to the above named person; (4) bank, savings and loan, or credit union to provide a verification of funds that applicants’ have on deposit to the above named person, and (5) to the above named person to obtain a copy of applicants’ consumer report (credit report) from any consumer reporting agency and to obtain criminal background information about applicants.

When you get their bill pay them the same day in Person.  

Unfortunately, the person who left it to me had Alzheimer's and the property insurance lapsed.

I can't tell you how many investors I know, that keep a HELOC on hand in case a property comes up that they want to quickly purchase.

I am not too kin to pay it all before the renovation work has been completed and have negotiated to keep 15% to be paid when renovation work has been completed, so that the seller has an incentive to complete the work adequately.

This approach aligns with my personal goal to recycle as much cash as possible.

@Ted Davis keep it simple!

When you leverage money personally, I think it makes more sense to invest in appreciating markets If the duplexes are too expensive in your market, you could look into investing in the Midwest.  

Let the attorney handle all communication, you take notes and keep copies of all the paperwork, and maybe next time you will be ready to try it on your own.

Since the new person is being added to the lease you will want to underwrite them to make sure they meet criteria and ensure they can be financially responsible.