All that said, most commercial lenders  - other than credit unions - are not terribly keen on underwriting something as small as a 5-6 unit building (unless the deal is >1M - 2M $, they may not see it as worth their while).  

I've never been very keen on wasting time, but you make a good point about being able to manage the property the way that I see fit.

But all markets are local and CA does see some impressive appreciation in areas (often in a very short time) so your keen market analysis may be key.

If so ... we stopped that practice Years ago.... you meet with client one time in office or home and get them pre qualed ... you then set them up on top producer or what ever on line system you have that gives them e mail alerts for their target property.. we have them do the drive by's ( this eliminates the houses they don't like because of curb appeal etc) and in our market the buyers usually have all the school crime walk score etc etc done themselves ..We then show up and only show houses they are really keen on .. rarely show more than 2 or 3 before offer is written.. and NEVER drive them in our cars. 

I'm not so keen on that idea given my parents situation and also would like to have it as a backup?

@Andrea ThurauWelcome to the forums.Personally, I'm not all that keen on Lakewood as a buy and hold market in Cleveland.

, but I wanted a good all-arounder.I settled on Keen as best for me - hiking boots or shoes.

I'll be honest I'm not to keen on what all LLC's do for you except protect your personal assets. 

I'm a licensed Realtor in NJ with a keen eye on investment properties.

I think that both parties are keen to do this.