Use what others have said as a base and massage it to where you're comfortable to pull the trigger.

I have a relationship locally with an HVAC technician who gets me gently used furnaces installed for under $800 and AC Units installed for under $700.

Just a gentle reminder: San Diego has some staggering home prices compared to Texas, maybe 4x or more, and a well priced multi unit building is a really hot, scarce commodity in most areas of the county.   

Work your Sphere of Influence by letting them know gently that you are now licensed and are happy to help.

Hair, massage, nails, and a two local bars have their back offices with me.  8 units, all on 3-5 year leases with auto-pay.  

Just a gentle reminder that getting copies of leases is one thing; getting estoppel statements from the tenants is another thing altogether.In really hot markets (seller's markets), a buyer may opt to forgo asking for estoppel statements to make their offer stronger, but in a balanced market or buyer's market, I advise my clients to insist on estoppel statements as well as the lease.The estoppel statement verifies with the tenant a few important things and is signed by the tenant confirming your assumptions based on the leases you receive.Which lease the tenant believes is their current one (which may or may not be the one the seller or the seller's agent gave you... that's one of the reasons you want the estoppel statement).How much money the tenant thinks the landlord (which will be you when you buy) is holding of theirs.

Gently ask for referrals,  I'd also talk with brokers that you want to work for.  

Hey BP,Was just contacted by "freedom mentor" and spoke to an intelligent enough gentle man.

Also, to add to @James Carlson's point, if you respond gently, most potential customers who are reading the reviews can infer for themselves if that customer was just being unsatisfiable or a jerk.  

http://youtu.be/j8IWAXjn_h0