Based on my experience, the key to success is screening for good tenants and managing them well. 

EM deposits of 10 to 30k go to title with instructions to release them to me once Foundation is in  that sort of thing.. but the key here is mutually agreed.

I think getting really good at one thing, establishing a network within that niche, and being able to analyze deals quickly is the key making things work.

Be sure to include instructions for turning in keys, notifying you that she's out, etc.

We cut the line and vacuum 8 months worth of poop, and prove the line was capped.- City instructs the New Contractor the tear up the road and reattach and tap my line back into sewer main.

In multifamily here in Reno, NV (just over the hill), we have seen some great deals with higher cap rates for buyers, but also very low cap rates on some renovated, turn key inventory. 

Metrics and local zoning rules and regulation awareness is the key.  

Whether that number is $1M, $5M or $10M, I am not doing it to say I am worth X, I am very low key when it comes to net worth and want to do what I want.Some people are like this and some have a target number, but I think what you are reiterating is if you say $10M and you get there are you happy or is it now $15M or $20M.

And I totally agree, providing the best value is key and I know that's what would eventually "win" the deal for me at the end of the day.

The key?