Newbie - How knowledgeable do I need to be in regard to home repairs?

[Josh Foret]

Planning to purchase a duplex in DFW for my first investment property as described in http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/25...

Considering I will be living in one side of the property, how knowledgeable do I need to be in regards to appliance related issues? 

I listened to @Darren Sager mention in his duplex podcast that he makes tenants sign an agreement to pay for a company that handles all of those issues. Is this an option for a newbie investor? Would something like that be included in the rent?

I apologize if this is already a popular thread. I'm new and still learning how to navigate the forum. 

[Nick Lee]

I would agree with Daniel. A little bit of knowledge is good to ensure you are not being ripped off by contractors.  I invest out of country, as I live in England. While I have a little bit of knowledge that helps with my investments back home this is little use for my US properties.

For me my biggest worry was overpricing from contractors.  I use J Scott's book on flipping houses which gives guides to prices.  That gave me confidence that I was not being ripped off and helped me find contractors.

It's true a little bit of knowledge goes a long way, but if you know the place to find the answers then sometimes that's just as good.