Most investors would be happy to share their knowledge for a cup of coffee, this is our passion and we enjoy discussing it.Not sure what you are getting out of your mentor that books, Bigger Pockets and the MLS cant provide??

But more importantly, find something where you can learn REI and enjoy what you are doing.

hi mike, congrats on the move. it sounds like it was not easy. but hey, thats a good thing. you have proven that you have what it takes to make it in this business. you are willing to stick it out no matter what it takes. you got what it takes. that being said, don't have such a low opinion of home inspectors. i happen to be one. some are, lets say, less that enjoyable. its not uncommon to find two different guys with 2 different opinions just weeks apart. i am sure it was not an " altogether different list". they most likely found many similar things but one guy found more issues and one guy thought an issue was a big deal when the other didn't. thats normal. it sounds like you got a decent deal on the duplex. congrats. hopefully there is equity in the place that you can use in the future to buy more. my advice, go ahead and turn that storage space into an studio apartment. who cares what to call it. lets just call it a money maker.......lol. if you live near  a college or something, you could rent it out to a college student, or make it transitional housing by renting it to someone in a transition period of their life such as someone just moving into town for a new job, or someone who would otherwise rent in an extended stay hotel, or even a vacation rental sort of thing. there are all kinds of possibilities here. good luck to you

(long-term) Involve in slightly larger real estate projects (e.g. apartment, storage, development etc.) while not quitting my job (yes I kinda enjoy my day job).Challenges:1.

At that point, I would tell them that you have enjoyed having them as tenants since 2019 and you hope to continue having them as tenants going forward but the rent will increase to $XXXX based on the current market price and that it will not include the garage. 

Plus moving is stressful and the fewer things they have to worry about in their new home the sooner they can enjoy it.

", or take it as a learning experience and enjoy the process. 

I currently own/ operate 2 STR's in CO and if you enjoy beautiful hikes, mountain homes, skiing, and amazing nature views overall, it may be the place for you! 

I'd enjoy connecting--while we both may be new, one of us might have resources or answers to questions for the other!

It makes my experience much more enjoyable in my opinion.Every burnt out landlord I know (from co workers to family members) self managed.