Thanks to BP and numerous books I finally felt confident enough to take the plunge and buy a triplex.

There's been plenty of research on this.But I'm a man, and I can only speak with confidence about this from a male point of view, and so I will.Marriage is the biggest decision you're going to make and you need to pick a woman who really shares your values and will help you get to your goals.So you need practice to find these women, because trust me, they're RARE.

It's easy to fall into analysis paralysis but remember that your first deal doesn't need to be a home run - if it gives you confidence and gets the ball rolling then that's all you can ask for.Best of luck!

The entire house is night/day different from the purchase, and we are confident in our current skills, but also very aware we need to learn more and that is one of the main reasons I am here.

I'm pretty confident I will be holding the property longer than that if not much longer, but plans could change over 3 years. 

Again, it's all going to come down to your confidence level in your background and research. 

Do you have someone you feel confident to recommend?

Having read David's long distance investing book, I am more confident than I originally was, but I would still feel a bit more comfortable starting off locally and then moving up to long distance.

Yes, there is risk with the market, but over such a long timeline your confidence should be high.In both scenarios you own all of the houses free-and clear at the end of 20 years.

Pay for the materials and up to half the labor upfront and the balance when you're happy with the work.Going in confidently with a price and a structure will really help things go smoothly for you.Good Luck!