There are a couple of larger management companies out there that have a majority of the market share, and they are usually the ones listing the properties, so who knows how accurate those projections really are?  

For financing, I hope to use a private lender I know through my local real estate investment club.

Speak with a commercial insurance professional that works with real estate investors.They'll know more than anyone here!

Financially, that is probably the better move.If knowing your primary residence is paid for in full gives you a greater peace of mind, then do that. 

Trying to find without calling first but will probably call county office to confirm but does anyone know what are the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements for a home built in the late 70s in all island of Hawaii.

Any professional (Architect or Engineer) will already know what is required based on their experience in that space.

I'm not looking to JV, and I know services like Investorlift are great, but that's not in the budget at the moment.

Now of course we don't know what any given year will hold, because the market can be influenced by a lot of things.

It's not that sexy I know, but it's helped me learn and understand a lot with respect to having tenants. 

They often start really good, and the next thing you know, we find out they're asleep on the couch in a client's home.