However, the posts that have been most encouraging in regards to conveying the weight and risk of REI have been the "here's all of my mistakes" posts.

Probably it will be gradually, as soon as a property increases in cash flow.

I think $200 per door is ideal, but I don't mind $100 per door in the first year and increasing gradually. 

A good contractor is worth their weight in gold, and they're very hard to find.

If you can snag a property with separate metering, then you're essentially buying a duplex with free standing units (with residential low down financing), and that's worth its weight in gold. 

It holds so much more weight than emailing, contacting through social media or getting on a website like this.

You're brand new (looks like this is your first post) so while I welcome you to BP, I heartilly recommend you familiarize yourself with the forum culture and rules.The truth is Michael Quarles has contributed his weights worth in solid gold to this community.

What's the saying, if you want to lose weight, hang out (or at least eat) with thin people

My decision holds a lot of weight in my family.

As I get a feel for the response rate, I'll gradually start adjusting both the volume and velocity.