The main reasin is for a better clearance of liability. with you editing a signed contract, that has a high Probability of letting a tenant be able to void the contract and it actually happening.

I would purchase a duplex (or even better, purchase a SFH with as many bedrooms as you can afford and rent by the room), and then slowly improve the property. 

One is better than most so you're definitely making progress.

@Jay Chung If the mechanicals for the duplex are in the basement it may be better not to give the tenants access.

If your portfolio is large enough, 5% is better.10 speculative small REITs.  

Better to make that mistake, and buy another deal, than to not bought the deal.  

After six months of STR performance, transition to a DSCR loan or portfolio lender refi for better terms.2. 

So you better find something that cash flows or you’d be better off putting the money in a bank CD. 

Taking on issues the seller is not willing or able to cope with can score you a better deal.

Being an introvert is actually better than being an extrovert.