We closed at a title company using all standard documents and they had a couple of names of good escrow places locally.

I generally try to get a feel for how a contractor works, price points, etc on a few standard items and give him insight on me before I ask him to spend a bunch of time pushing a pencil. i.e. does he work with investors/builders or does he generally do homeowner projects. 

Hi Folks,Is there a standard percentage that you all figure in for vacancy, capital expenditures, maintenance and repairs or does it vary by area/property?

FHA does have a program for 3-4 unit properties however they're subject to different rules than standard SFRs and not all lenders will conduct FHA lending for 3-4 unit properties.

I come out better every year taking the standard deduction.  

I want to make sure I got it right, since the lease agreement I used for this tenant was a standard form and it's not exactly clear. 

If you do the right marketing and showings you shouldn't have too man issues (assuming it is a standard market and not an "up and coming" or declining neighborhood.Good luck!

I buy solo all the time, but I use the realtor/standard MLS PSA.  

- I have been told it is easier on sellers to use a standard real estate purchase agreement from office depot as it is not intimidating to sellers and it makes them more comfortable, what are your thoughts?

If you can work the "standard" job to generate the income that will allow you to purchase turnkey properties that generate passive income then you can build that portfolio over time.