Just Starting Out: Multi-Family Investing a Bad Idea?

[Dusty Register]

Hey Everyone, 

This is my first post on the forums.  I'm a recent college grad looking to build a steady stream of passive income outside of my current job.  I'm in Atlanta, GA, and plan to live here for the next couple of years or so.  My soon-to-be-wife and I are looking for a place to live, and I thought "What better time than now to begin my real estate investing career?"

The thought of living in one side of a multi-family and renting out the other side seems appealing, yet somewhat daunting.  Is this a rational fear for a first time investor, with my only experience coming from a couple of books and the Bigger Pockets Podcast?

As far as next steps, should I just begin looking on Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, etc.?  Or should I just make an appointment with a Real Estate Agent that is willing to show me a couple of multi-family properties in the area?

Thanks for any help!