This has lead to increased competition for deals, naturally for higher prices.

Another way is the BRRRR method—buy a rundown multifamily unit at a discount, fix it up, rent it out, and refinance to buy more.

However, if anyone has recommendations on alternative methods for securing capital like private lenders, please let me know.Also, I'm in the process of learning how to underwrite through online courses, but finding rental comps for MF seems a bit more complicated than single family homes.

Just to be clear, did M******** ever pay you outside of Zillow or did she mark the rent as "Paid Offline" without you receiving any funds through any method?

I took an interest in the investing side of real estate shortly after becoming a licensed real estate agent, and it seems like that naturally became my focus, between helping investor clients and being an investor myself.It looks like you have a few investment properties yourself!

They also offer tenants various payment methods, which can simplify the process for everyone involved.

. - Any other tips specific to the nature of the property or location. 

We totally get the premise behind the Brrr method but at the same time, if you can utilize the same cash principle to buy a bigger, better rental house that will appreciate well over time due to location, wouldn't it also make sense to consider using the cash house equity for this bigger location house to be refinanced later at a lower rate and take the equity out of the better location house then and use the equity later?  

I'm open to other creative methods such as Cash App, Paypal, etc. ... but I believe that they charge for automatic ACH payments.

The determination of tax structure will depend on the nature and goals of the business.