When it comes to 2-4 units not all markets are created equal. the northeast and midwest tend to have a lot more market for these properties then do newer areas of the south and west. 

A 30-year fixed rate mortgage is currently sits around 6.6% interest:All else being equal, lower mortgage rates reduce the cost of ownership and, thereby, allow more people to afford to buy.

If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that policies are enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

A pro forma is vitally important, to make sure your projected returns match your budget.  

It equalizes  the playing field allows anyone with grit a real  shot at the American dream. 

Too many new investors blindly copy due diligence checklists from the internet, assign equal importance to each item and blow up deals over nothing.

@Edward Heavrin not knowing anything about your financials I would suggest you first have cash or equivalents equal to your debt.

Often with probate where mom and dad leaves house to 3 kids equally. 

Not because someone in that circumstance is motivated. 90%+ of the people in that circumstance are not motivated.Mistake #2.You all think that wanting to, having to, or NEEDING to sell their house equals motivated.No!

In my area, most agreements state that the closing costs are split equally between buyer and seller, but sometimes one party will pay everything.