Hello, community! Brandon told me to introduce myself here, so if anybody cares about my story, here it is, LOL. My name is Michael Milillo and I stumbled across this forum when I read "The Book On Rental Property I...

In my book, there are four rules to (real estate) success:Overcome inertia to get in the game by take consistent productive actionDon't do things that could take you out of the game with a single bad moveDo things to extend and enhance your gameplay Create a system to get better, in some aspect, every dayYou've already demonstrated that you are all over Rule #1, so it's time to consider #2 and #3!

Mindset is a huge factor in this game.

The federal government along with local municipalities are always going to want to see a fair run game.

Let them have some skin in the game too and help oversee the property.

@Brian BoydThis might be the best game in town.Good job dude.

Here's the really powerful end game - If you stay in that duplex for at least two years of the 5 year period immediately prior to selling it you will get to take the first $250K of profit ($500K if married) from the primary residence side tax free. 

I suggest having at least a little skin in the game... unless it's just an amazing deal. 

I took a pay cut with my company to keep it afloat, play the long-term game, and to stay with the company/help it grow, so I have been strapped with cash.How should I responsibly handle this 1k/month once we move in?

Me personally, I'm in the buy and hold game.