My strategy and goal are to buy rental properties, specifically small 2-4 unit multifamily properties, and then scale up to larger commercial rental properties.

That said, two units, whether a MIL unit, ADU, DADU, or Duplex, is definitely the way to go - SFH's without the second unit rarely perform well unless you do rent-by-the-room or something else creative, which is tough to scale and a lot of hassle.2.

For those looking to scale or diversify, Columbus offers a compelling balance of affordability, opportunity, and long-term resilience.

Curious, are you planning to keep scaling single-family or looking at small multifamily next? 

You either scale and build 50 of them.

By and large, he is removed from any property management, save for some handyman work here and there. 

Quote from @Charles Kennedy: Is it worth starting out with smaller non-performing notes (under $50K balance), or do you only really see value when you scale into larger pools?

Unless the property is sold or refinanced, a large negative cash flow is all but guaranteed.  

Great question Bill, a lot of investors hit that “fish bowl” wall when it’s time to scale.

Regarding incomes, I anticipate higher unemployment, which will put downward pressure on aggregate income levels.Will we face a recession on the scale of 2008?