Multi-family properties are a great way to start since you can house hack and offset costs.What’s the main goal for you?

What’s your main focus, or what are you hoping to get out of your journey here?

What you seem to be missing is your main need is an accounting system.  

While the image of yours I found seem to show the main entry to the 2nd floor at ground level, the older the prospective tenant, the less interested they are in a non-ground floor unit. 2) Using another part of the property as storage could limit interest and I could see that as a turn off with folks once they find this out.FYI, the listing I found on realtor.com makes no mention of the tenant not having access the entire property or the basement being used as storage.

The main hassle of conventional lending is being able to provide proof of income and seasoning.

I’m mainly looking to educate myself for the long term.

Some strategies to get around are:1. leverage your current portfolio and buy in cash, increase value, and then refi2. buy Multi-family so your ratios aren't the main factor to lenders3. get in with a lender for high net worth individuals4.

Cash flow is positive although small (between $200-$1200 depending on number of units in the property) on properties that I bought mainly 2011 thru 2017 because of low buying prices and rents have gone up well.  

I don't know much about it besides there's a plethora of churches, bars and beaches!

Moving on was tough, but helping him make peace with that was main part of the negotiation process no one else touched on.