In addition to brokers, I would also suggest speaking to 1-2 regional banks/credit unions.

Chris Try Western Alliance Bank. 

Great Post-  I appreciate you saying what a lot of the Gurus fail to explain: that this is a long term process and in a lot of cases we don't see the benefits for years to come. 

It is very tough to go from a SFH single family to a 2-4 unit as it does not make much sense to the bank or underwriter.

They are often too complicated for tenants to figure out, they have too many ways to fail, and they are often easier to circumvent than a standard key lock.I use Schlage electronic door locks with a simple numeric keypad.

You should call a couple local banks to discuss the types of investments you may be looking for.Alternatively, a great strategy for someone just starting out is House Hacking.

CU and local bank is the way to go for that product specifically. 

Most small businesses fail, and he goes into great detail on how you can avoid becoming a casualty. 

I put 20% down through my local bank on the first mortgage.

Bank would not do HELOC for me because I already have their maximum number of mortgages.