I've done a fair bit of reading and have learned to account for r&m, CapEx, management, vacancy, taxes, insurance, and accounting for the first year or two of building reserves.

Yes, and find out what the land-only value is...This is what a lender may only be willing to lend for...And, insurance to rebuild the 8 homes, in case of natural disaster?

We will sub contract out for electrical, Hvac, plumbing, drywall – pretty much anything not wood related.

Whats the down payment requirement and would you still need to pay mortgage insurance? 

I don't want to become a FT realtor for a few reasons (a) I'm not a 60-70+ hour work week type and (b) it becomes tougher from the traditional lending perspective when my wife already has her own business - I need to be the cheaper insurance provider on top of it.I'm curious about asset management jobs or other types of similar roles at REI firms where I can learn more in-depth about the industry - and I'd appreciate if anyone had advice about what firms would be worth connecting with and what jobs would make the most sense given my background.

what is the typical amount one needs to insure?

I have very low paid expenditures, currently the property tax is $1,100 annually, I pay 65$ in insurance and I am setting aside 7% in capital expenditures, best of all no mortgage.

They are minor but two title companies we have gone through so far will not insure title.

Yes, clean your credit, but also keep saving v Remember that your lender will want to see six months of PITI (principal, interests, taxes, and insurance) in your reserves in addition to your down payment.

Definitely use separate accounts, whether you have an LLC or not.Checking: receive rent, pay billsSavings: hold deposit and reserves for capex, maintenance, taxes, insurance, etc.When your checking account has more money than is necessary to pay bills, transfer the excess to the Savings account where you can build funds for a new investment.