(e.g. peace w/ Israel, gambling legalization, etc.)

Sometimes these types of deals require that you purchase a software to help search for lots,so we'll see.Most of the time,established people in industry are not going to come online and scam people,why would they ruin their own business in the offline arena?

For all methods you would want to find a market that has strong employment rates, strong income rates for the market, and is a growing or an established market. 

Also, not sure what relationship you have established with your property manager but typically people hire managers to take care of this part and be tenant-facing.  

Establishing a good local team will be crucial for you. 

Often established sellers go with seasoned listing brokers.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

What you ask and expect of them (beyond the basics) and what expectations can I further establish? 

I don't like to gamble on rent appreciation.

:Syndication multi-family investments are riskier and have less upside than gambling in Las Vegas.