If you are looking at a small multi-family of four units or less:Rent RollReview all leases, addendums, or other agreementsTenant payment historyAny violation notices, delinquenciesList of all maintenance in the past yearSchedule of capital improvements in the past 3-5 yearsUtility bill reviewP&L for current year plus the last 1-2Service contracts (landscaping, cleaning, snow removal, etc.)Inventory of all property owned by SellerThere may be more but this is a good start.

Hire and manage a design team, including architect, landscape architect, civil engineer, soils engineer, to produce the initial design concepts and schematic plans necessary to complete the entitlement process.

Even if you were to use an electronic lock (w/ backup key) at your external common entry, you can still use a master key for the building and have tenants keys work in common doors as required (entrance, laundry room, etc) without the need for multiple keys.    

Many flat parts but the landscape here is such that the home builders are used to putting houses on 30 degree slopes....  

This is definitely below market rate (could probably rent for around $2000/month), but these are unicorn tenants and they are managing the property very well (small landscaping projects, small home improvements).The current value of the house per Zillow is $383,000.I am originally from the Bay Area so we plan to settle in Northern California once my husband is out of the Air Force in a couple of years.

Took care of the landscapping myself rather ham hiring it out.3.

But hired professionals for things like plumbing ($6100), AC/Heating ($15,000), electrical ($2000) and landscaping ($5000) All profit each month is directly applied to the principle.

My quickest was within 2 months, kitchen, bath, interior and exterior paint, windows, floor refinish and some landscaping.

#1 Use a realtor that uses an electronic lockbox if they have those in your area. 

This property is in bad shape, overgrown landscape, broken fence, exterior needing some attention.