In some places there are a few days grace period to allow for rent that is sent via mail (which I don't get because if it is due on the 1st, plan ahead). 

Industry experts suggest the current uncertainty creates ideal investment conditions for those willing to enter the market.As we step into 2025, we wish our valued readers prosperity in their investments, clarity in their decisions, and success in seizing the opportunities ahead.

I always remember that rockstars know rockstars, so find someone who is a mover and shaker - likely a meetup host - and then ask them who they know.The people doing 100 flips are super busy, so I've also found the best person to find is someone who is a step or two ahead of me...so maybe for you, that is someone doing 2-3 flips a year. 

Just make sure the town is ok with the land being zoned for multi-units, and look into construction costs, financing options, and permits ahead of time.

It's also easier to figure out all of the pro's and con's a head of time to avoid lost time and money.  

The mega site in Richmond, as well as Mt Vernon, will really change the landscape in these areas as they did in E-town when the battery plant came in play. 

I'm looking for advice on whether I should purchase my father-in-law's 6 unit apartment in Burien, WA (10 minutes south of Seattle) as my first deal, or perhaps help find him a seller that would pay more than I could and is a couple years ahead of me in REI. 

I'd say the logical paradigm in the question is a bit off.CRE includes everything from airports to golf courses to hospitals to campgrounds.So saying "residential versus commercial" is like saying "bacon versus plant life."

We find that having the tenant pay for all utilities and taking the small hit on rent we are far ahead over supplying utilities to the tenant. 

Best of luck—sounds like an exciting journey ahead!