If not, you have just done what nobody does (follow-up) and the broker will respect you for that and you will have separated yourself from all the other investors who drop the ball and don't follow-up.This sets the stage for your ultimate goal= "The Pocket Listing"If you need any help...

My tenants respect me and I respect them. 

On top of this. remember to setup a HELOC on your house before you move out. this allow you to access the equity of the house without selling it.One random investor told me that fix up your rental as if you don't mind moving in. screen your tenant super hard but then treat them with respect and dignity. you will have long term tenant and they will stay with you for a long term.

You can and should expect higher quality and have enough respect for your own investments to demand that quality from the property and company you work with.  

I am happy to announce that I have acquired my first fourplex on 9.16.16 after doing my due diligence in more than 40 properties and visiting more than 10 respectively.

Much respect.

Also, in respect to the multiplex, duplex, etc, how does one find the owner without an agent? 

We have walked the property with a Real Estate agent and a contractor whom have a very good reputation with their respective companies, but I trust numbers overall.

She knows how hard I’ve worked to be able to afford this house, and how I’ve always worked hard to provide for our family.I know that my family loves this house, and that we’d treat it with the respect that it deserves.

. ;-)Anyway, why don't you take a look at Schedule E (to from 1040) to derive at the answer to your questions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040se.pdfStarting with line 3 you will see all the relevant parts that are to be considered when figuring out your taxable income (emphasis on "taxable" as this is ultimately what counts with respect to this particular discussion here).The form is fairly straight forward IMO.