Essentially, you put a lien on at least one other property's equity that you own against another. 

If you don't split the lot, then you're essentially making a horizontal condominium complex. 

Would you feel this is unsafe/undesirable to essentially have a stranger living on your property with you (short or long term)? 

Those are unacceptable returns in such a high market though, with no margin of safety for a softening rental market which we as a state tend to experience a bit of during a downturn. 

Do not listen to the sob stories, essentially this is a business not a charity.3.

Essentially, they are so busy now I got the impression they are really only looking for cash buyers who can move quickly.

Rent is essentially wasting it when you can afford to buy and build principal, and a rental has that money working for you.

Unfortunately I’m thousand miles away and unable to self manage without it being virtual essentially.

Mortgage payment is $1,000 on each house, so you're essentially earning $500 per house or $2,000 a month.

But, I think you will be essentially alone in the world of real estate investors if you buy your first small property inside of a C-Corp attempting to maximize fringe benefits, rather than appreciation and cash flow.