Is it a “bad” decision to put 20% down on this multiplex, likely have most of the mortgage covered by the rental income while continuing to pay rent at my current apartment? 

Someone handles accounting to record management fees, pay vendors, and pay the client... 

I also had non-paying tenants that owed me, HVAC unit needing replacement, large trees hanging over property structure that suddenly died due to beatle infestation and college tuition due all at the same time.  

You won't cash flow in most places while you're house hacking but the goal should be to pay less than you would renting. 

This means instead of getting a mortgage from the bank, you pay the seller in installments.

@Peston Parsard not sure if enough viewers will note & care about free internet and pay more in rent.Regarding the MLS listing, going to guess your PMC isn't charging you a Placement Fee equal to one month of rent?

Hi John, The key is to find someone you trust, which is why I recommend using Property Management Finder.

You also could look at a line of credit on the property and pay interest on the money as you use it.

I'm purchasing in New Jersey and I have been looking for a way to establish a land trust, but reaching out to lawyers, there does not seem to be much dealing with this (most don't know what it is). 

He would pay my mortgage payment and assume all responsibility for home maintenance until such time as he can qualify for financing.