Right the goal is get a couple a hundred in cash flow with the first deal and then build upon there. 

I've been buying and holding for SFH's rentals for 15+ years, but my goals now are Cash flow (70%) and Appreciation/Equity (30%) so I can invest faster/grow more in shorter periods of time.I ran this: View report on BP as a really rough test for investing in this property (3-plex, but also offers an attached 3-plex for consideration). 

It depends on the investor's goals.

And then you want to be clear about your goals, but be careful - when you say out loud, busy doctors with money looking to invest out of state, not all will have your best interests first.

Bigger Pockets is an excellent resource for learning and connecting with experienced investors.Here’s a simple framework to analyze deals: Set Clear Investment Goals: Decide if you're looking for cash flow, appreciation, or both.

My goal is to own/live/rent a multi-family home within the next year or two.

Similarly, investing in A-class single-family homes offers a different experience compared to C-class multifamily properties.What is your desired goal?

What's important to keep in mind and find out up front in my opinion is what their goals are, what they're to get to, and how they can grow from there (Can you actually help them or not?).

I live in Northern California and my goal is to flip houses out of California and roll that income into rentals for equity growth.

If your goal is to get into short term rentals - analyze the deal to a point where it can still work as a longterm or midterm rental if short term doesn't perform as expected.