If the cracks are big enough to create a tripping hazard or the floor is so uneven it could cause someone to fall, then I would want that fixed.If it's safe, then I want to ensure it is functional.

Mine is buy a solid house wherever you choose, get it rented as an LTR and have a property manager manage it. 

Won’t this be same as multi family duplex? 

I’m leaning towards long term rentals, mainly single family but open to possibly medium term or multi family.  

I will purchase this 4-plex through an FHA Loan with 3.5% Down Payment and live there for at least 1 year until I can afford my next multi-family!

Based on my analysis, a good amount of the multi-family properties for sale within Blue Island would seem to cash-flow, but the sticker price on some of these properties seems too good to be true.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

When house-hacking, I would choose the market that you're already living in.

Looking for targeted courses on large multi-unit commercial/residential investing. 30-200 units. 

A better approach might be to find a REI Association in the area(s) and ask other investors for their recommendations - it's not uncommon to choose a different appraiser depending on the type of property (residential vs commercial MFH vs. office or industrial) and the objective of the appraisal.