Personally, I rent out properties that I personally would live in- and I carefully screen my tenants.

What they said^^^^No obtaining a permit for a structure that will be a habitable dwelling is just plain stupid... sorry - nothing personal.

Assume the property is well located with average appreciation ...Selling some properties of mine and just curious what the average investor buyer is thinking ...Thanks guys I wouldn't personally recommend deliberately buying a property you believe will be negative cash flow.

I use it for my personal portfolio as well.

Starting in REI can already be a little nerve racking, so I recommend doing your first deal on the easiest mode you can to build your confidence and build your skill set.If I had to do it all over again, I'd buy a personal home with 3-5% down then repeat every 12-18 months.

I do want to separate my business and home expenses, but even if I had a business CC, I'd still have to pay it off with my personal money because its going to be awhile before I'm making income.

I wouldn't be selling in this market personally, so if you don't sell the SFR and you really want to do this, a DSCR cash out refinance on the triplex, or a hard money 2nd is your only option to get the liquidity needed to make this move.

I've personally found that I also want to look more at other factors like zoning laws for a property, etc.

There is much debate about that but ideally you’ll talk to an experienced agent who can advise based upon experience as compared to an experienced insurance sales person who can sell. 

I understand that working with professionals decreases the likeliehood of this happening (and this person is a corporate America professional) but thought I'd get some insight from this very well versed community!