The key here is you need to know all 3 of these options are quality contractors.

Stay loyal to your contractors that do a great job, repeat business and volume are key to keeping your pricing low.Get a signed contract, in many states this is the only thing that holds up in court.  

The income the property generates is the key factor if a bank can qualify.

I totally agree with you, @Ayodeji Kuponiyi education is key.

The other half has a nice,retired, and disabled lady on a fixed income who's not going anywhere unless some unfortunate, sad events happen.I've been living and renting out this duplex for a year now, and its solid, no issues, and essentially turn key.

I will try cash for keys and see if he is receptive.  

Honestly, whether or not these people are liable is one thing, but the key you need to think of is, even if you won on those two issues, could you even collect from them?

Paying cash for the 1st rental is key and it is great you have the equity from your primary to do this.So I spoke with one lender that deals with investment financing and this is the method.  1: buy house with cash2: remodel and improve with intention of buying into equity3: (this is the tricky part with time)  Wait 6 months (some make u wait 12mo)  and get reappraised with intention of financing for 70% the appraised equity.4: Use the 70% pulled from 1st home to buy your 2nd property.This method works better in flips because once the 1st home is sold you can do the method over agian.  

Education is key. 

We specifically invest in Kansas City, Missouri, where we see a very high return in regards to turn-key investing.