I am also open to hearing any suggestions for a larger financial institution that will lend in MN? 

Younger residents have tended to leave these areas in recent decades, in many cases pursuing better job opportunities elsewhere, leaving older generations to make up a larger share of those who remain.1) What exactly is the author saying about those metros?

I've already taken a trip down to TN to start scouting for larger multifamily complex's, but I'm also considering starting with townhouses to start learning about managing an asset from afar. 

For everyone else reading this, larger houses can cost less per sq ft to build and smaller can cost more, this is literally a ball park guess knowing nothing about the structure, finishes, etc. 

A new or larger underlying loan increases the chance of being unable to fulfill this obligation.As the holder of legal title, you are theoretically able to pledge the asset to obtain financing.

@Mike Jacovelli sounds like you need to start reserving your real estate conversations, and time and energy, for more encouraging people.Have you attended a real estate Meetup in your area?

It’s not the best for curb appeal but it will help lower energy cost.

I would suggest going for a larger house in LA over a duplex due to tenants rights.

My (current) plan is to purchase 1 SFH per year over a 20 year span, and potentially 1031'ing each property at year 5 into something larger...

Buy a slightly larger primary residence (like 2-4 bedroom place), and then rent out the extra rooms immediately.