That way you have a framework or some sort of idea to try and run some numbers when thinking of buying.

What I need to do today (what is the most important task to do today): Look up all of the potential banks near me.Once you have the framework in place you can start build out your vision, strategy, and build a step by step plan to accomplish all of the tasks that you identify.

The attorney explained that the feds will get off the backs of individual states as long as they have a strict regulatory framework in place governing medical marijuana in their state.  

Some are landlord friendly, some are landlord hostile, the federal framework in practice allows for both.

But this is exactly the kind of framework I was looking for. 

Using that basic framework, this research checklist will help narrow things down:Job GrowthPopulation GrowthJob DiversityLandlord/Tenant LawsTaxesGeographical FeaturesCost of LivingLocal NewsLocal GovernmentWhether You Have an Unfair AdvantageYou’ll focus on finding a strong sponsor first.

They form the framework of your plan and then you fill in the needs with investments and insurance according to the requirements laid out, your abilities to fund and manage your estate. 

I'm curious is there a rule of thumb that provides a rough & loose framework that helps determine how much $$ qualifies as a good but not excessive down payment per property assuming we pursue Plan B?

Take the above with a grain of salt and as a mental framework to consider, since I do not know your full situation, personality, or skill sets.

There is so much to learn in real estate that it's easy for a new person to become lost in information overload.Second, courses provide (hopefully) a step by step framework, and reference material that has value when you get stuck.Third, we all want the magic pill.