Getting ready to buy my first small multi-family

[Heather R.]

Hello,

I am generally a lurker, and I find posting on forums very intimidating. I usually listen to the BP podcasts and I love reading about real estate and financial independence. But I am gearing up for my first multi-family property purchase and wanted to reach out to people who have much more wisdom and insight than I!

I am currently in the process of selling my first rental (a condo) for a tidy profit. I bought the condo three years ago, lived there for two, and rented it out for the last year. I am selling now to take advantage of not paying cap gains (and I dislike knowing that assessments are coming that I don't have control over). I should have enough to roll that money up to a small multi-family around my area (hopefully around Tacoma WA). 

And I am terrified. AHHHH! But also really excited about accelerating my investing career. 

I have a ton of questions and here are a few:

1.) What is the best resource you found when you first started out?

2.) Should I find a commercial or traditional lender now? What information do they need from an investor? Do I need to have a deal in hand or do they give a 'preapproval'? (I think I can go the conventional route at least for the first one/first few)

3.) For the western WA investors out there - what events/groups have you found most useful? What memberships are worth the cost? I would like to meet others in the area, but went to a few duds that were a sales push...

4.) For the western WA investors in the Tacoma area - do you have a recommendation for a real estate broker or amazing agent that knows the investment landscape in and around Tacoma?

Thank you in advance for any advice!!

Heather