I was wondering if I should look for a duplex that has a master meter and a sub-meter, or split the utility bill in half, or implement the RUBS method....

She is paying the rent in full each month, but she says due to covid she can't pay the utility bill and she is trying to apply for assistance with her utility bills for covid relief.

I may have heard of people self-closing quickly with minimal risk after an owner and encumbrance search and DD with the city and county as to permits, utility bills, code violations, assessments and taxes.I may also have heard this isn't recommended for beginners at all. 

You bring up a good point - if you aren't too familiar with a specific area I would utilize an agent to vet deals but not necessarily bring the deals to you.

@Kyle Cooper If you like pools, add approximately $200-$300 per month for additional maintenance and utility bills, plus a higher insurance premium.

Eventually you will run out of your own money and will need to start utilizing OPM and creative financing.

The Tax Code offers so many opportunities to those who know how to utilize it.

Therefore, after a few discussions with the wife, we decided that we will sell the single house and use that money to buy a few more multi-family in the next 2 to 3 years utilizing the profit. 

Therefore, after a few discussions with the wife, we decided that we will sell the single house and use that money to buy a few more multi-family in the next 2 to 3 years utilizing the profit. 

I have done a few flips and long-term rentals in the past but I am trying to get started with short-term rentals and utilizing AirBnb and/or VRBO.