If there is something going on that is making you fearful then you may want to get law enforcement involved.

I know people in Canada, China, England etc. that own property.There is no law I am aware of that says who can and cannot own real estate.  

.🎯 Your 6-Month Timeline:Month 1: Foundation (5-7 hours/week)Morning routine: 1 hour daily market researchEvening routine: Deal analysis practiceWeekend: BP forums & networkingKey Goal: Analyze 10 deals on paperMonth 2: Education (8-10 hours/week)Complete 1 RE courseJoin 2 local REI groupsSchedule lunch breaks with agentsKey Goal: Build your initial power team listMonth 3: Systems (10-12 hours/week)Set up deal tracking systemCreate document templatesEstablish banking relationshipsKey Goal: Ready to make offersMonth 4: Lead Generation (12-15 hours/week)Drive neighborhoods after workWeekend open housesSetup automated MLS alertsKey Goal: Generate first 5 qualified leadsNow, the Owners and Brokers you deal with may not enjoy this, but you can certainly "practice" making offers.  

He said it's standard practice that they don't want agents there.

Because of that, the laws here are very strict. 

I'm looking for advice on whether I should purchase my father-in-law's 6 unit apartment in Burien, WA (10 minutes south of Seattle) as my first deal, or perhaps help find him a seller that would pay more than I could and is a couple years ahead of me in REI. 

Law websites like nolo and others have said if the tenant in NJ has made partial payments then you have to give them 30-day notice before you begin the eviction process.

Nights, weekends, holidays, etc.To keep this on-topic, though...DO figure out what's healthy for you to manage but remember it's a process where every experience teaches you good and bad (and be patient with that process).DON'T sweat the small stuff (damage/costs under $50, undisclosed dogs, etc.) but DO find a way to learn, prevent, put in better practices to maintain your sanity. 

You may actually have it worse in NYC as opposed to the rest of the state, make sure you look up the exact laws and/or speak with a lawyer.

A Property Manager can also assist with understanding local regulations and the practical aspects of property management, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.Feel free to share more about your specific needs.