If you think you will work less, or have less balls to juggle by being self employed, you may be mistaken.Your lifestyle may improve (or may degrade) depending on how you how much you like or dislike doing the self employed things you must do.You might make more (bonuses) working W2 at 70+ hours than you will investing (in some positions, for some employers), others exploit their workers terribly, and treat them bad.

The first is that if you reside in a community property state in the USA, which treats properties owned jointly by spouses as being a single owner (simplified explanation!)

This is a business for you and you treat it as such. 

Here's the thing I generally treat contactors, tenants, agents, pretty much everyone how I want to be treated.

Or do institutions treat VTB differently than conventional mortgages when it comes to taking out equity? 

Spend a little money on tech if you are going to do it yourself and treat it like you are a pro.   

Treat it like a business, the more time you put in the more reward you get out.

I’d treat it like applying for a Section 8 voucher where a tenant needs to prove he has need.

After 1 year with Lowry, I’ve worked to find balance between being a good landlord, treating people well, and also establishing boundaries with tenants and enforcing lease terms. 

You are treating this woman honestly, fairly, in generously, just so she can turn around and slap you in the face.Learn to run the property like a business.