Secondly, I think your better off trying to push for a larger concession package (Free Rent, Tenant Improvement Allowance) than you are trying to beat them up on their rent.

My tenant’s dog has ripped the linoleum flooring in the kitchen.

When a buyer knows they want to buy and buy again fairly soon they need to target the homes in order.Bank loopholes which cannot be questioned; Buying smaller home first, then buying bigger home (Sqft/GLA) we review it as growing family, need space for office, dogs etc..

How about just changing from SFH to MFH, or commercial, or any other REI where the increase in dollars buys you  a property with larger RE value...not larger number of properties. 

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

., just a couple thoughts.When I was shopping loans for larger properties, the lenders I was talking to would have accepted a signed Property management agreement as the "experience".  

It will allow me to purchase a larger deal rather than a 4plex and be paid within a year. 

I live in miami florida now and I moved for larger scale developments here because of the net migration but columbus ohio the economics allow for that. existing inventory has been tougher and at the pricing inc columbus you may as well build new because you can build new less than replacement costs in a lot of the markets downtown. it's about being in adjacent downtown neighborhoods where property values and rents are higher. land values are the biggest driver of how well you can buy land to develop followed by permitted uses or rezoning applications. 

We don't want or need to grow larger than 10 investment properties since this is really just a side hobby and retirement security.  

I contested it after that date last year and was able to get it reduced by sending them a few comps of properties in the area, but I would have gotten a larger reduction if I called earlier.