The types of owners generally are not run very professionally. 

Here's general info on the options-https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/2...If you go the DIY route, there's that long-distance investing eBook that just came out on here recently (I forget the author...David someone?)

Is it bad to start out by buying multiple homes in one general location (as in a portfolio) as opposed to a more expensive single property?

This will vary HOA to HOA, but generally if there is no covenant restriction against renting your unit, then an HOA will have no say in how it's titled.  

Sad to see it removed, but rules are rules....I'd like to see it continued/re-examined, but this time simply in light of generosity in general not tied to any other type of organization.I believe that people who are generous have a way about them that tends to draw others toward them, which is helpful in business where net working and establishing relationships built on trust is important. 

Generally speaking though if you're not in a NYC/Boston/LA/San Francisco market then you should be looking to clear between $100-200 on a single family home after covering all of your expenses.

Generally you'll run it in one room and close the door for a few hours, then repeat for the next room.

South Florida in general is flooded with a gazillion "wholesalers" but 99% of them are garbage.

If you want to dig deeper into the matter, here are the NC Landlord and Tenant General Statutes.

I'm a fan of using Zelle for rent payments and other P2P payments in general.