It depends on your goals, investment criteria, the type of properties, and the Market you are investing in.For instance I am a Buy and Hold investor.  

My goal is to be doing exactly what you are doing (deal size, multi-unit size, raising capital, etc.). 

With a goal of 1 book a week in looking to read a ton of books!

Brendon: In North Austin at least, you will not be able to achieve this goal with a duplex.

If you go this direction make sure the fan you choose is quite or the tenant may never us it.Good Luck

Due to the deferring goals of my business partner and future wife, it wouldn't be wise for all 3 of us to go into deals together.

Of course, they could choose to go higher than that, but it would be risky for them because if the home's value went down much at all, their collateral would disappear.

Second, she's not buying it for investment while I do - different goals.

Hi everyone, I wanted to throw out a question and get some ideas/feedback back from you guys.Trying to soak up as much information as possible before I make my first purchase If you had to start from the beginning,  and you had $50,000 cash to invest, and your ultimate goal was to quit your day job and do this for a living within the next 5-10 yrs, how would you invest? 

It really depends on you're comfortable with and your goals.