But that being said, given that this will be my first time buying investment properties, let alone in a distant area, would you guys recommend that I jump straight to apartments, or should I start with smaller MFHs to better learn the real estate investment business before attempting something bigger?

There is no place in business for emotions, you make business decisions based on protecting yourself and your business, tenants concerns are a distant third.

There is no easier way to drop $40K or $50K than by buying "cash flow" in a distant, poorly analyzed market where sales activity is driven not by actual demand for housing but by investors furiously trading derelict houses among themselves on greater fool theory. 

With the same kind of foreign investment increase here in Seattle - coupled with our 'Silicon Forest' rising, housing prices have skyrocketed and don't appear to be coming down anytime soon (https://www.seattlemortgageplanners.com/2017/02/se...).Do you see the same kind of government regulation being a factor in the not-so distant future for foreign investment here in the PNW?

Take google street view down some of these distant towns and you are shocked.

Hello, total newbie here so please forgive me if I have some dumb questions.My wife and I are finally ready to Jo into investing. We are debating whether to get into long-term multifamily rentals in the future, and do...

I recommend studying the market on your own, studying history, study these forums, or perhaps try to meet an experienced investor at a meetup or maybe a distant family member who is willing to teach you some things. 

The 1031 will let you go into any market (stay distant or buy near you). 

At long term rates (which may well go up in the not-too-distant future), it would be $3,750.

Of course, there may be less expensive deals in those more distant towns.