We all wait with bated breath for the extensive thank you note they will write on their way out.

Depends on the city & airport. 

If the only MFH options you're finding are in areas you're not comfortable with, it might be worth focusing on a duplex in a better neighborhood.Saving up for a larger property later is a valid approach too, but keep in mind that real estate tends to appreciate over time, and waiting might make it harder to enter the market later.

Focus will be your superpower - figure out which strategy you like best and double down on that! 

. --- They will offer to fix them in exchange for lower rent, but ask yourself, if the tenant has been living there for 25 years, why isn't everything fixed already?

I think you're on the right track in terms of it's proximity to other MSA's.  

He confronted (and still does confront, present tense) the hand he was dealt with dignity and a “no excuses” approach.

Will hard money lenders lend on something of this size?

I think you’ll find any bank will want 25% on it.

On top of that, we have found that homes with a great view (forest or lake view), or proximity to the clubhouse tend to book better.