The second you show any signs of weakness, you are going to get hammered by the tenants with demands/threats/etc.  

That may be indicative of a weak market.

Spend time networking locally and digitally until you find someone who wants to do the same projects as you and has complimentary strengths/weaknesses. 

I'd love to get into smaller multi-family investments, but will likely start with SFH due to the multi-family market being so very weak over here.

I don't know what the best way to start is.Everyone will have their own opinions and none of these opinions matter.The actual correct answer to your question is simply this.Your strengths and weaknesses determine what your best way to start is.If you are confident and you have money, start flipping.If you have no money but you are a shark, and determined and devoted to do it the right way, you can start wholesaling.Again I do not know what YOUR best way to start is, but I CAN tell you how I did it.I started wholesaling.

Most Landlords fall apart somewhere along the way because they have a weak lease, don't understand how to enforce the lease, or they screw up the eviction process and make matters worse.I highly recommend "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO because it includes a ton of practical advice, directs you to your state-specific laws, and includes editable forms to help you get started.

There are lots of groups in the area, each with it's own strengths and weaknesses. 

The bank will not give me the loan I need , because of my last two years of tax returns being weak.

You may get her to sign in a weak moment. 

Maybe I'm bias because in lending we have to do one for every loan.Your plan will vary based on the audience obviously, but here's a jist to start with:What you're trying to accomplish (summary)Who you are (sell your management skills)detail of the business model in question (location, financials)SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)risk mitigation (every "what-if" you can think of and the plan to correct, exit strategies, etc)Where your partners fit in organization structure (who owns what, outlay where everyone's risk is spread)This is obviously not complete, but should get you started.