The long-term goal here is that if we get 4 of these units free and clear then we've got this primary mortgage covered and I'd feel safe turning to investing as our only income, so the faster I can get these paid off the closer we are to that goal.

If anyone has a referral for an honest contractor who is licensed in Massachusetts for deleading and/or a company that does vinyl siding and is certified "lead safe" I would really appreciate if you could pass that long.

Looking to start off small and safe .

I'd invest a good chunk in a safe index fund type of investment.

We chucked the appliances where their nest was (dishwasher) treated twice (both the infected unit and an additional unit not infected but just to be safe) and within a month they were gone. 

I would also say that as the owner of the property, you have to obligation to ensure that both duplex tenants have equal right to the property and that the space is used in a way that allows safe entry and exit. 

I bought my residence in Irvine(back in 2013) thinking of Irvine Company as a safe partner in investing.

Because of that, I think the best first purchase is a safe purchase that doesn't overwhelm you and keeps you motivated for the next purchase and the next and the next one. 

Arizona continues to be a safe haven for many investors escaping California and I am already in the process of buying another property myself!

I have 20k saved up and just not sure where a safe place to start would be.