This is my first post on BP after watching so many videos.

I have a piece of land behind an existing rental that is almost 1.5 times the size of the standing triplex. 

Hire the right contractor, and time boxing.

I guess this is your first deal with this partner so based on the inputs i would suggest structuring the deal 50/50 to leverage both partners' strengths.

If I chose to try to find tenants before the unit became vacant I could likely cut down on the vacancy time between tenants and further reduce my vacancy to something like 2% but I budget for 5%. 3.

I am looking to buy my first four-plex within the year.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – and they often select the first PMC they call!

these will be my very first  rental properties.

Most DSCR lenders will not negotiate their rates since they have end investors to answer to, especially if it is your first transaction with that lender.

How have you brokers got your first deal after getting your certification or what were the first steps after passing your exam?