Glad to have you as a part of this awesome community, Chandler! 

Rates are high, usually in the high 8s or low 9s, and you may pay 2-4 points on the loan. 

Risk entails everything from lawsuits to lack of diversity in investments to low rates of return to high exposure to vacancy (more units theoretically lowers vacancy exposure).

Your best route might be to buy a 2 to 4 unit property that you can live in and rent out the additional apartments.

Hi @Nicholas L. and @Chris Seveney a few weeks after my post, they did a part 2 for the survey and 2 days ago, the Zoning Dept. emailed out an update for the proposed policies.Here's their message:"We want to keep you informed and share a preview of the proposed Short-Term Residential Rental Ordinance regulations and express our gratitude for your invaluable feedback and participation in Phase I and Phase II of the Alexandria Short-Term Residential Rental Study.

I deal with wholesalers every week on my fundings  or should I say I see their fee's on the HUDS every week.. if I see one come in that is just way to high  like a 50k purchase and 50k assingment fee I wont fund it..

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Also, which choice is better for you highly depends on what your real estate goals are and the experience level & skillset of the specific agent.Traditional agent and Redfin Agent could essentially be the same thing in many cases.

Communication is highly important to me as well. 

I'd highly recommend house hacking in your local market since you're in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, especially if you're renting currently and planning on staying in the area for 5-10 years.It sounds sexy to go out and invest out of state for your first property.