Welcome to Bigger Pockets, Out of state (OOS) investing would be a wise decision, with Californias market is so highly appreciated.

Once you know your market and have built your team you can make these decisions yourself.

It takes patience to get a good multi (and decisiveness to act when the right one strikes).

Have your goals and "you're investing because" guide your decisions on where to invest.

Since your goal is to build a portfolio of rental properties, you’re right to weigh both the financial and practical aspects of this decision.

Varied perspectives help in making sound decision.

Keeping their taxable income down is a huge advantage for you as paying that from the sale would not be the most fun, although maybe I am incorrect since the property was inherited. 

Im torn between this decision.

I'd get legit references, see how many units he/she has, probe them on how they solve problems and on that basis make your decision.

So yes I think this is a good deal, not sure how many partners you have on this deal but I think your decision depends on how much each of you need to make on the deal for it to make sense and how quickly you all want the return.