All, My partner and I are in early in the process of buying a property with multiple, 13, duplexes on it.

If you like the idea of a slow grow with minimal debt then keep on that track.

I am a residential remodeling contractor by trade with a solid understanding of the rehab process and a network of laborers and subcontractors that I can rely on, and thus plan on managing this first rehab myself. 

I am hoping I do not have to go through the evection process (done it before all the way to sheriff kicking the door in) and its quite daunting process, but the upside I guess would be I been through it all. 

I found your very valuable to me as I in the in the process of buying my first rental property in Saginaw as an OOS invester from CA. 

I'm currently in the process of building 2 new SFH in the Houston suburbs.

But I don't think roommate income is a thing, and existing roommate income definitely isn't a thing if it's an apartment you're renting.I recommend you find a local mortgage broker who does conventional loans, give him/her a call, and ask to have a conversation about your borrowing limit *before* going through the pre-approval process.

Should the process be the same?

We put in an offer a week ago and the inspection just came back good with minimal items pointed out that we're requesting to be fixed.

its even worse in Chicago or in IL as there closing process is so difficult.. they do not have title and escrow in the same place you need and attorney to do this then you need title company to open title and well it aint the west cost were you can get these closed in 48 to 72 hours if you have a great relationship with your Escrow company that is also the title company..