In the long term there is LESS unknowns in the new construction, but the entitlement and aquisition is a bit more tricky.Just curious how come you had to fix water heaters and leaks if you have a property management business or in it?

Do any of you have recommendations for solid:-contractors-insurance agents-attorneys-property management company-mortgage brokers?

You can get a free account with TenantCloud or other management software, enter your property once, click a button, and it will be published out to multiple sites at once.Knowing the market requires regular research.

You might try and look locally for portfolio loan or DSCR loan.

I'm sure there's an easier way but I don't want to pay too much for it - I only manage our own rentals (18 doors).

You don't have to give him a reason and you could talk to a property manager if you want to hire them to deal with it. 

On properties we manage the owner is responsible for pest control within the first month of the lease.

Do you own or manage any studio MTRs?

My goal is to build a passive income portfolio, build equity and appreciation in properties, build a strong management system, and continue investing for financial freedom.

It's good you are doing drive-bys, but spreadsheet analysis for house hacking won't get you very far until you see what you have to manage, if the utilities are separated, and you see the tenant next door's upkeep irl.