So as a newer person in an area if you want a lot of bids before you close you'll normally end up with the more expensive guys or the ones that don't have work at the moment (usually for a reason).

I recommend checking the areas near University Circle for that reason, but there are some spots not far from there that can be rough, so do your due diligence.

If you need an LLC for tax reasons later, you can move title into an LLC later for a couple hundred bucks.

For this reason, many investor agents choose them. 

I know in Philadelphia if I had a 2 BR house it would be viewed favorably by tenants who are seeking 2 BR living situations because most inventory will be apartment style living and for this reason would achieve a rent premium.

One major things to consider that many newer investors miss with 5+ units, is that if you intend to hold, the property will need to be at least 75% occupied and stabilized before you will be able to find reasonable financing terms. 

There are two reasons this is a bad idea.Investing with an SDIRA (assuming it is not a Roth) will often result in paying significantly more taxes. 

Negotiating Price: What’s a reasonable offer given the current income and potential for more?

It is not uncommon - main reason we see right now is over inflated original ARVs and now borrowers cannot sell and pay off the lender. 

For these ultra exclusive co ops the fact that the tenants can turn down anyone for any reason is a big plus.