My question is should we break our teeth on a duplex, learning and possibly losing money, on a less expensive property, or buy as many units as we can afford?  

Workers bonded ?

I've asked if they are licensed, bonded and insured, and they say they are, and I told them that I will need copies before I sign a contract or pay a deposit. 

IMO, cash flow IS what REI is about, sort of like a coupon bond, you collect as time progresses. 

Some people are so risk averse they are willing to settle for a percent or two on bonds, cds or similar.

If you are one of the few grads with savings that you can afford to lose, then an investment into bonds is the way to go assuming we are on a downward slope.

Ive had a seller hold note before and I was able to rehab the property and just go to bank and refi, not needing to put a down payment into the deal, which is great.However I’ve never done “bond for deed” so i need to know if I’ll be able to just refi or need to purchase, when it’s due.

Ive had a seller hold note before and I was able to rehab the property and just go to bank and refi, not needing to put a down payment into the deal, which is great.However I’ve never done “bond for deed” so i need to know if I’ll be able to just refi or need to purchase, when it’s due.

Example: You or your property manager has a non-professional electrician (side job, no insurance, not bonded, not licensed, etc) make a repair that later causes a fire.

I need to cut my teeth on.