I'm not sure if I'm budgeting too much for expenses or if that's just how the market is in my area because it is very difficult to find anything that cash flows positive.

The other "economical" areas are going to be more management heavy (think cheaper houses that are expensive in the long run) and the A/A+ neighborhoods will be very difficult to get cash flow (think Elmwood Village or Hertel Ave duplexes that are $350-400K but gross $3600/mo on the top end). 

Or if they want a high-interest rate, and your numbers will not work at that interest rate, or if they really want a crazy high price where it will be difficult to cash flow and refinance in the future.

it's been difficult

And what were the things you thought would be very difficult but turned out to be straight-forward later on?

Not sure if this is the case in all provinces because Catalunya, especially the Barcelona city government, is quite left and making it difficult for investors. 

Hey Alex,My name is Jagjit, and just like you I'm new to both RE investing and Biggerpockets.My plan is to start with multifamilies and I've talked to a couple of RE agents so far, and the conclusion I have is, in this high Interest rate market, its very difficult to find a cash-flow positive deal. 

I know where I live a project like this could be very difficult and expensive to get approved through local planning boards. 

In fact, it’s a LOT easier to find a good / great below market deal if (1) you offer all cash, quick close, NOT subject to financing and or (2) the property is one in which obtaining financing is difficult, if not impossible.Another example of where low DP is not preferable is when we syndicate property purchases.  

I assume you’re going to make accounting, tax prep and certainly financing much more difficult, time consuming and expensive with the trust.