The biggest issue I found is that contractors won't give you an accurate bid unless you tell them exactly what you want to do so the Scope of Work is the most important piece of the puzzle. 

It's a puzzle that should induce a coma, but I actually find the thought exercise of it all... stimulating.

find a good deal, get it under contract and figure the rest out step by step as needed. you said yourself that you have been thinking about this for a long time. if you are in the mindset that you have to have the complete puzzle solved before you mak your first move you'll be sitting on the sidelines forever.

Still just in exploratory / learning territory on these kinds of multi-units, would appreciate any advice.

Love the puzzle piecework there.

I have researched for the past 2 years and I believe this will be the last piece of the puzzle before I dive in at the age of 24 years old!

Any of you have success in this puzzle?

You don't have to solve the entire puzzle all at once, just move the ball forward each day.

@Chase Gu not yet  - I used to travel there for work a fair amount but I'm still in the exploratory phase right now. 

I'd appreciate any insight you gained on that piece of the puzzle.