This is my first post so please bear with me...So I've always been interested in Real Estate.  

Since we are at the very beginning, I am trying to get my bearings.

Good point, I just tell them to bear down hard because it is going through 6 copies and point to where they need to put the rent, late charges and other required information.Old folks who have not done this before get confused, they appreciate my help.

Going to throw out an example purchase for my questions, bear with me :) Ok, so I want to buy a duplex and rent it out.

It definitely bears asking the question how will they now suddenly afford the payment they currently cannot.

Currently own 1 VR in Big Bear while managing 6 others and looking to buy a 2nd place somewhere in SoCal area. 

—In all criminal cases, contempt cases, and other cases filed pursuant to this chapter, if a party has sold, leased, or let real estate, the title to which was not in the party when it was offered for sale, lease, or letting, or such party has maintained an office bearing signs that real estate is for sale, lease, or rental thereat, or has advertised real estate for sale, lease, or rental, generally, or describing property, the title to which was not in such party at the time, it shall be a presumption that such party was acting or attempting to act as a real estate broker, and the burden of proof shall be upon him or her to show that he or she was not acting or attempting to act as a broker or sales associate.

Bear in mind that your income obviously has to be able to support mortgage payments. 

When you use it as a landlord, I hear you reach a higher plane of spiritual landlordianship and salvation.And when you call em back with a bribe of 1/2, set up a massive bear trap so they can’t escape.

(I know your 18 and most likely don't have that - but bear with me here.)You have a property worth $100,000 which you paid cash for it and it rents for $1,000 per month.