If the only MFH options you're finding are in areas you're not comfortable with, it might be worth focusing on a duplex in a better neighborhood.Saving up for a larger property later is a valid approach too, but keep in mind that real estate tends to appreciate over time, and waiting might make it harder to enter the market later.

I knew the good and not so good areas.

There are a lot of articles, books, etc.

Here’s our OPINION for the Metro Detroit market (use as a template for your target area!)

Cleveland and Dayton can be great markets for high cash flow and low purchase prices, but you need to be careful when navigating the neighborhoods so you're not buying in a D/F class area where no property managers will manage and where you'll never see any positive cash flow.

If you are a partial owner of this land, I would not invest much or any money into it.

I don't think $175/month is good in Florida (or anywhere) for 30 percent down, but it also depends on what the rest of the block and area is like and if there is appreciation scale.

Depending upon whether they are a bank or a trust company, custodians are heavily regulated by the IRS, DOL, possibly the FDIC, State Banking Commissioner, and maybe the Comptroller of the Currency.

Or if the person is not in my area I am willing to compensate.

For all multi-family properties we always handle the lawn care as there are common areas so we can't expect the tenants to care for it.When sending the security deposit claim we state the additional cost that is owed for damages even if the entire security deposit is claimed for other damages.