One time I had a guest smoke and it went right up the ducts into my unit, it was awful.I'm conscious about how that could potentially affect guests who will be staying in the upper unit in the future.

600+ credit score; income validation; we have potential tenants meet the existing tenants to make sure there is a good fit. 

Incorporating a washer-dryer hookup in the main house could be advantageous.This addition not only increases the convenience for potential renters but also adds value to the property itself.

It was recently purchased in December 2024, which aligns with the timing she mentioned on the phone.However, despite all the communication being professional, I’ve had trouble finding additional information about their business online.I’m wondering if I’m being overly cautious, but I want to make sure everything is legitimate and avoid any potential scams.

I would see how the home inspection goes (get someone good) and make a assessment than on how you want to proceed.

Since this is my first project, I’m very open to any advice or suggestions—especially regarding potential obstacles I might not have considered.

Quote from @Brian Dolbeare: I’m considering purchasing a small multifamily property in Pittsburgh that I really like, except for one potential drawback: it has 100% street parking.In my current market, lack of off-street parking would be a significant negative, especially during winter.

Duplexes or small multifamily properties, even with value-add strategies, rarely match the potential of single-family homes in the right neighborhoods.In summary:Don’t be discouraged by low cap rates—they reflect market expectations of future growth.Focus on single-family homes with high equity potential in desirable areas.Avoid chasing the "economy of scale" myth with small multifamily properties—they often come with higher turnover and lower buyer appeal.Think long-term: prioritize properties that grow in value, even if cash flow is tight at first.

Evaluate potential rental properties with a keen eye on location, cash flow, and potential appreciation.

Also if you have significant wealth, using a good PM mitigates potential risk and headaches.