Just make sure you understand what you're getting into, which is exactly what you're doing by posting on the forum so kudos to you you're on the right path.

Right now, I have a friend who is considering adding a half bath to his first floor by removing a closet w/o a permit and I am really trying to convince him not to. 

No keys, no tokens" right?

Good stuff - you are pretty spot on - technically people max out under conventional loans at 10 - but oftentimes its with fewer properties as people run into hurdles before hitting 10, some of which you mention - wanting to diversify strategies, multifamilies, needing LLCs etc.I think you are on the right track for DSCR Loans - I always say that DSCR is really perfect for people in the 5-50 property range - typically conventional is the best fit with your first few, and then when ready to make the "jump" to scaling bigger and faster - DSCR is the best bet.

Well done on making the progress to get to where you are now and for looking for more growth.You're definitely in the right place as there is so much knowledge in these forums and elsewhere.Best of luck to you. 

I am retired and working on career #2 and 2 of 3 of our kids have left for college - our oldest is headed to UConn for her PhD (6 years) and instead of paying to rent, our thoughts are to do a version of a house hack with buying a house/condo and renting out one to two rooms to offset the costs of her rent.

We have long-term goals in real estate but right now don't want to grow beyond the two rentals.

BP is the right place for hooking yup with people.

The last few properties we have put on the market went under contract in under a week with multiple offers but they were priced right, were inline with the area but were done with quality and were in desirable areas.Unless you are dealing in a low-end market, a home warranty should be a standard inclusion especially for first time home buyers. 

The rate difference between FHA and Conventional is actually over 1% right now for Multi family propertiesCurrently the rate offered is 6.75% and 193/m in PMI (private mortgage insurance)That makes the payment with taxes and insurance roughly:$3453/monthTaxes were $3820, and insurance is $1800/yrCurrently this building can rent each 2 bed unit for up to $1800/m with tenants paying all utilities.All in cost to close is: $71,414.64If you rent both units for $1800/m you can expect gross cash flow of $147/mThis is the reality of buying a turn key duplex in the area using todays rates and prices.I want to stress, that this is actually considered a great property and deal in todays market for the areaYes, prices are high, and so area rates...My goal is to show what is actually going on.