Im in New Hampshire so the houses aren't terrible and Im not opposed to going to surrounding states once I start to look for more properties, but I am wanting to real dive head first into rental properties.Im looking at buying my first 2-4 unit in the next 6 months or so and using that to "house-hack." 

If you have houses/units that aren't "all that great," I think you're opening yourself up to problems and problem tenants. 

You aren't overly leveraged (I don't think) on your current duplex to where even if you have some vacancies, you'll still be fine. 

Personal checks for security deposit aren’t a good idea, so I would recommend not accepting them as a payment method on move in.

It takes a little bit of the heat off of the on-site staff, because then staff members aren’t the ones calling for the tow.

I know we could just bundle them into a commercial loan when the time came, but we really aren't looking for more than 20 properties overall and so would prefer to get the best rates we can and lock them in for 30 years.  

This civil penalty may be recovered in any action brought under this part by the enforcing authority; or the enforcing authority may terminate any investigation or action upon agreement by the person, firm, corporation, association, or entity, or the agent or employee of the foregoing, to pay a stipulated civil penalty.

The demand request must be accompanied with the appropriate written authorization (permission) from the owner/borrower.

Traditional mortgages aren't for construction sites.

If you take the right steps to insulate your real estate investment and remember to unplug your appliances when they aren’t being used, you can keep your wallet stuffed and your property value high.