I bet that would add up to more than a flat higher rent.

In other words a nice reasonable priced duplex may be a lot safer than a 10 unit apartment building, but may make a lot more money. 

The  hallmark of scammers is advance fees, but I'd also be worried about giving them your personal info and SS#.As a physician, I'd bet you can get a decent line/loan from any number of reputable lenders.

Obviously, investing in the coast of North Carolina is safer and will come back faster than the panhandle of Florida will!

If that happens and your plan is slowed, you'll be in a safer position with the W-2 job.

With what numbers you have there, if you are looking to BRRR then I would bet you wont make much unless you park a lot of cash into it and are good with cashing out your rehab money. 

Private lenders would be your best bet...but your play on the rental would be a cash-out re-fi more than likely...I really don't like the concept of assigning debt to your holdings just to buy more properties...your one rental paid off entirely will cash flow more than the next 5 you acquire with debt. 

That's going to be your best bet. 

Likely, they accrue and are released at sale.Your best bet for calculating how much money you will make above the preferred return is based on the projections offered during the due diligence period.

Consider your price per unit, the neighborhood and if you have funds, more units are safer.