With the Franchise concepts theoretically you would be much farther ahead.

I understand the concept of being overleveraged with-in an individual property. 

Simple in concept and less so in practice.  

I too had a hard time wrapping my head around this concept at first.

Novel concept...ask the owner (Borrower?)

My day to day job is that of a commercial real estate broker and in our business we have a concept called a base year pass through whereby you can pass those annual property tax increases on to the tenant.

Omid, also look into renting properties by the room....it's actually much simpler than it seems i've done it successfully in the past with good results.  

I'm looking for general concepts.

I wrote more about this concept here if you'd like to check it out: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/14/real-estate-business-not-hobby/

I finally listened and went to a couple investing seminars and was astounded at how simple real estate can be if you are willing to work and have a little to invest with.