This can be challenging if you’re not local to that market, requiring extensive vetting over the phone.

I would never consider purchasing in an area where real estate doesn't appreciate over time. 

If I'm understanding correctly, we could keep our 1st duplex with the FHA loan (until rates lower then we'll refinance) and then still use an FHA loan for our 2nd duplex since we have lived there for over a year?

Hi @Mitul Gandhi - In my opinion, it's less about which list you use and more about the consistency and persistency you have calling the list.I remember I just heard a quote "The best list is the list you use, over and over and over again!"

That only left me with 20k left over that I wanted to use for fixing stuff right away.

I started investing back in January over here in Columbus, Ohio and very glad i have done so.

Taking a bit over a long period of time is better than taking it out all out at once.Furthermore, you can have 80% LTV if you purchase property in your personal in your own name.LTV inside of a SDIRA is somewhere around 50%

For one your tenants are paying off the debt not you and for two inflation makes the cost of paying that debt back cheaper over time.That being said, there's a lot of Peace of mind to having a paid off rental.

that's the best way to get started.https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing/house-ha...i'd spend 6-12 months saving and looking for a house hack. 

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies that spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.