Also being your first deal and going from 0-20 units is a major undertaking with the addition of unconventional financing.

I'd like to build a 4 or 8, but the zoning will only allow duplexes at this time and I don't want to undertake a rezoning battle.I've hooked up with a retired builder at our local REI meeting. 

I am hiring a graphic designer to do some for me. 

I've seen graphic designers alter pdf's and you cannot tell. 

Should you undertake a series of rehabs three whole time zones away?

I would undertake this but I am fearless crazy when it comes to home repair.

What is the one thing that contributed most to your success in your undertaking?

@Samantha Kay, here is graphic to show what value LLC's are intended to accomplish. 

@Nate Ginsberg, as @Erik Hatch suggested, the Census is a great resource for ascertaining this kind of information.Here is a graphic I made showcasing the distribution of structures by unit counts in College Station, TX.The graph on the right further breaks it down by showing renter and owner occupancy figures by the number of units in the structure.Hope this helps! 

One of the most Task that you need to undertake is determining what your endgame goal is going to be.