Figuring you're closer to the Medway area perhaps the Worcester Black Diamond meet up would Worcester or @Enis Shehu's in Framingham would be your best bet. 

I find it hard to beat the risk adjusted return of investing in multi-family syndication if your operating partner has the experience, resources and know how. 

It sounded like you had a bit more to play with so I thought the stretch to 5% might be the best bet.

Your best bet is to build a local network so you can seek out input once you find some perspective properties.

You should purchase this insurance and collect from your tenant.The above ( taxes and insurance) should be paid in estimated monthly installments with a provision to allow you to bill them at the end of the year for adjustments such as an increase in insurance or taxes.

Most people will adjust their wants based on other things both tangible and intangible.That will give you the most reliable indication of possible performance.

I don’t think anyone should try and predict the future on appreciation returns, so your best bet is to look at past #’s.

I did offer the tenant late last year that I am open to adjusting two months' portion of the deposit towards February and March rent payments if we renew the lease (as he was a good tenant at that time). 

Our unit has a gas dryer so I would be nervous having a tenant do their own hook up, we just provide the machine and adjust monthly rent accordingly. 

An of course we will want to get another house later down the line.An LLC may be your best bet with a really good operating agreement.