Granted, he is not a "smooth" talker like other gurus.

I had problems with an inherited tenant, but for the most part things have been smooth.

Any secrets to smooth over being a woman and needing to hire trade types? 

Now that the property is mine, things have been going smoothly.

If you pick a time period like 1-year, you can typically smooth the numbers from things like insurance and tax payments (since they are made on annual or semi-annual basis). 

She was pre-approved and everything was going smoothly.

Don't assume there will be smooth sailing right after you buy a rental - often times there will be sins of the previous owner that you have to pay for.If I were you, I'd find another job and pursue the duplex deal in the meantime - and whatever you end up buying, make sure it REALLY looks good on paper, because there will always be unexpected problems to deal with.

The "analysis paralysis" came early, but with a great family here at BP I'm sure it will be a smooth process once I dive in.Thanks for a great website with like-minded individuals to come together!

@Timothy Francisco you can definitely try to attend a bunch of different organizations of non real estate investors and if you are super smooth you may develop some relationships with folks that would lend to you. 

We keep the same terms as far as length or month to month and if they are under a one year lease we keep the rent the same.If on a month to month we notify in writing of a rent increase.If we know there are issues with this tenant such as criminal activity, non payment, lease violations we will address it in this packet in writing and may even give a lease termination letter with the packet.12 self addressed envelopes with our new po box to make mailing the rent a smooth transition.information on moving to online payment (cozy)our contact information and how to contact.