I'm brand new to the world of real estate investment.

Are non-recourse loans in play here? 

My husband and I are looking to start our own REI business in the Memphis area.  We've both owned and sold homes before, so we understand basics of buying and selling, but reading through a lot of this info on bigger ...

I know zoning, utilities on site, wooded/clear lot, location, ect. all plays a part in value but not sure where to start and I know tax assessors evaluations can be far off.I'm an open-minded kind of guy and even though this isn't necessarily what I targeted, if there's an opportunity..

It is brand new.  

But we won't do upgrades for short-term tenants, brand-new tenants or those who bend our lease rules.Rick

Not sure how that plays into your current or potential future situation.

Seller financing usually comes into play because of three situations1- Property is not financable (construction defect, hazard, uninsurable, needs extensive rehab, etc.)                                                  

Maybe meet someone at one of the REIA meetings and take them out to dinner to role play with you. 

And you can buy a prime PDX inner city property for the same down as you would be spending on a C class multi in other areas.. far better play for someone your age and with a very long term horizon ahead of you