This should also have a pretty immediate effect on improving your score.

I use 8% (basically 1 month a year) as my baseline for projections but the reality for me is that I have had my duplex for 13 years and only placed 4 tenants so the effective vacancy is much lower.

If your portfolio will be more interactive, this is generally the more effective route.So, get out there and do your research on plan formats and turnkey providers.  

I did paint the apartment while living there and there was damage to the blinds.

So in this case, the effective tax rate is 1%.

That depends on your effectiveness in fund raising.  

One unit has bedrm and bath closed off due to water damage, it's currently rented as a 1BR but could be repaired and rented out as 2BR probably for an additional $200-300/mo.This seems like a steal, assuming everything checks out with house inspection etc, but what makes me most nervous is I'm not planning to do this full time, I have a job and I can't be driving up there every week to coordinate the repairs and check on them.

I effectively own a house and i have it as an investment property.

Also I need them to be licensed and bonded, If they're not licensed, and it's cost effective, I might be willing to pay for them to become licensed.Thank you BP members for any feedback!

Seems the Middle GA area is a good place to start, lots of opportunities here