Granted, someone might buy a fourplex to live in and rent 3 out, but that's a specialized buyer.Plus w/ a duplex, depending on how it's set up, you might be able to get the tenant's to pay for trash, water, and take care of the lawn, snow removal, etc.There are definite benefits to larger multi family as well, like a single roof for mulitiple units, consilidation of location, maybe cashflow, etc.And one more thing real quick, if you don't already know, financing might be different if you get a 5 unit or higher.

Specifically things like, need to move cars for snow, inspections, etc etc.

They will often try to snow you regarding issues on the property, which could be parking or laundry or whatever.  

Plus, keeps my move in date mid-summer next year, so no trudging through snow, etc.

Spring if you have a cold winter with snow etc.

This winter, my tenant vacated, then my wife and I both got sick, and fortunately, landscape company was located in town, and I called to have then come by to shovel the snow after 2 large snowstorms.That's why when I rented to my new tenants last month, I explained I have a landscaping company take care of the lawn already.

Snow remove and Lawn Care (I have someone in mind for this).5.

I would hire a qualified PM to manage the property, it can be a pain with college students, i have had some pretty good ones in mine so far. ( note: check agreement with PM usually they charge a leasing fee to you, lets say $300 for each lease agreement, group of 3 students is one lease, 3 individual students is 3 leases or $900, make sure you have in your agreement that if they get a group it can be 300 but if its an individual maybe 125, this prevents them from getting single students and costing you a fortune.)3. definitely have them get renters insurance and make sure your PM has that on the lease agreements.4. in PA you can charge 1 1/2 months security deposit, i know my PM charges 1 month5. do not know of any in Erie, sorry6. rent should be based on the area and your PM will know better on that. my Student rentals, i include heat( sometimes you can set a limit and then have them pay the overage), sewer/ water, garbage, lawn maintenance/ snow removal and internet. they pay for Electric ( stove, dryer and hot water heater are electric.) i include the internet because it helps rent them and i can control the thermostat on all of them and front door lock on one of them.you are just finishing up your reno now, but if you invest in another student rental, use 5/8" drywall on the walls, harder for them to damage, plus gives you better fire protection.

I really like 4 wheel drive (Alaska after all), but its not necessary if I bought snow tires.

Income: (current, not proforma)2021 income- $98,040 (rents are under market)Expenses:2021 taxes- $14,651Insurance- $936 per year2020 maintenance- $5,287Annual HOA dues (garbage, landscaping, snow removal included)- $9600 Property has been managed by current owner.