From your post, you seem to be leaning towards MFRs.

I am leaning towards moving to SDIRA to invest in notes (either to father in-law or other available first position liens) and make a better educated / calculated call in the future once I have used all my available savings.

Happy to share it if you are still leaning towards Chicago!

Unless you have reason to think that the area you're in will continue to rapidly appreciate (I know Seattle is on fire now, but I'm not sure this can last that much longer), I would lean toward selling.

I know this an epic debate for investors but my personal opinion leans towards having a license especially if you in the wholesale business.... puts a layer of disclosure on top of course but allows you to give the property owners some options. 1) "I have investors who are looking for properties like yours that can pay cash and close quickly to solve your problem Mr Seller" or 2) "Just need to sell but don't have an urgent time constraint you say?

I'm currently leaning towards Baruch College's real estate licensing program. http://baruched.com/shop/course.aspx?

It sounds like if we are making verbal offers, I should make sure my realtor really stresses that I am ready and capable to make the offer and have the numbers to justify my offer price, and also make sure the "offer" is reaching the ears of the seller and not stopping at his/her realtor.But I think I'm leaning toward official full package offers with a "heads up" call from my realtor to the seller/seller's agent.

I am interested in all areas of real estate investing but leaning more towards a buy and hold strategy.

Repayment would be a normal amortization of whichever rate/month you choose.You can still use Option 2 if you are leaning towards a flip, obviously.

@Martin Yamane Welcome to DMV and BP.There are some good REI groups in this area that are truly focused on networking and leaning from each other.