Now if you plan on being single all your life then I can see where these modest numbers could work. 

You've probably heard the old adage "life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” 

So you are already protected there.However, if you are sued personally for something happening in your life (car crash, …) a judgement can take all your investment away.

I'm in it for long term rentals with a goal to have enough passive income where i can retire my w-2 and live life on my own terms.I got started on bigger pockets years ago was able to buy my first single family to house hack.

I  got a new job in the georgia area so I told myself it's time to get into real estate and build the life and the freedom I want :).

Dear Underwriter:I am looking to purchase another duplex similar to mine because I have never seen real estate in such a growth mode in my life.

My thought is that since I am already wanting to learn the in’s and outs of property management and really involving myself in real life experience, perhaps if I offered to take care of the whole property for him in terms of dealing with the downstairs tenants, scheduling repairs/maintenance, and keeping up the properties landscaping so that the investor can remain more hands off he might be willing to give us a break on the rent so that we can save even just a little bit extra each month.

Equity/partnerships are messy: Goals, personalities, egos, lifestyle changes can all make partnerships go astray.Your grandfather could have been wealthier, perhaps much wealthier with partnerships, but I would almost guarantee he had an amazing quality of life. 

Humans, dogs, cats, fish, hamsters

I originally wanted to self-manage (at least to start), but there are a lot of changes going on in my and my fiance's life, and I would rather hire a property management company now.