While you are considering options, be sure to consider the ability to leverage tax benefits available with investment property. 1.

Combined we are making about 250-300k annually pre-tax.

Everything weighs in.Step 2: Highlighting the Tax BenefitsTax breaks are a big inducement for many investors.

Thanks to the Cost Segregation Study, the property investors accelerated the depreciation that the first year depreciation was approximately $356,000.The use of the accelerated depreciation strategy helps real estate investors to reduce the tax liability immediately which therefore increases their bottom line due to the offsetting of income.

Looking forward to the passive income but also to the tax benefits

It might give you peace of mind as a newer / smaller investor, but in the end you have a problem you want to solve (taxes and being compliant), and if your tax guys owns a duplex will have no impact on his ability to address those issues. 

Similarly, there's a divide on whether taxes should be included or not in determining NOI.This lack of consensus has left me scratching my head.

The total monthly payment will be pretty close to this: P&I - $1,295, Taxes - $420, Insurance - $175, PMI - $220, for a grand total of around $2,100/m.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1056436-clearing-up-confusion-on-tax-treatment-of-short-term-rentals

If you're looking for a landlord friendly state with lower taxes and a market with lots of potential for appreciation, Columbus could be a good fit.Best of luck as you start out!