@Felix Shi This is a very specific circumstance.

It all depends on your circumstances and what your exit strategy is.

It really depends on your specific circumstances.  

I'm trying to bring it up more, and certainly its somewhat specific to my circumstances in NJ, but so far I'm paying very little tax. 

I would not be partnering under other circumstances as you could just hire someone and keep all the equity at that point.

Life circumstances, tired of their neighbors, forced them to move.

In certain circumstances I think that works.  

Of course, Down payment assistance is available and the you can negotiate closing costs in certain circumstances but your chances of doing both are only reasonable if the property/seller are in a tough spot and the property isn't popular on the market.  

Special assessments should only be for unforeseen circumstances.

If you have some money in the bank to cover unexpected circumstances (vacancy/repairs, etc.) and you know that you're going to struggle to put together the down payment for a multi-family, then beginning to build up some equity, experience and momentum (by taking action) isn't the worst idea.