Thanks Seamus, I haven't purchased my first property yet, I'm really looking for the tried and true method of starting with a duplex.

A lot of good advice from the folks above.As with everyone else I am in agreement the Reserve Funds, Special Assessments, and mismanagement of association funds is the biggest financial risks.Next is the additional fees, app fees, move in/out fees, access card fees, background check fees, pet fees. 

You should have a separate bank account for your company.You should have separate lines of credit (credit cards) for your companyYou should have all properties titled to the company.You should have commercial loans in the company's name.You should have insurance in the company name.You should NEVER co-mingle personal and business expenses.

It consisted of here are your business cards no go get some business.

Letting someone buy on your account is like giving somebody your credit card .

@Brittaney Woods  do you feel good just flat lying to people about your true intentions. 

As I believe it true that what we focus on expands, you'd do well to focus on making money and doing deals than messing with the garage sale of humanity. 

@Marco Stack-Simone, it's true that retail purchases/sales slow down in the winter.

Is this true ?

For my goal of finding some true buy and holds that are cash flowing I would like to aim for 10% after the property has stabilized.