I'm renting for now, but I'd like to buy a duplex or triplex and live in one of the units.If all goes well, in five years from now my girlfriend and I would like to move to Wenatchee, WA (she has family there) and semi-retire to do RE investing full time.

I believe the better way to succeed even In a business that semi runs itself, is to enjoy knowing and understanding as much detail about the business as possible.

I semi-figured with my limited knowledge that I would need at least 20-30 properties to provide a 10k income a month.

I am semi-retired now and want to move to Seattle, but can't get a pre-approved loan from Wells Fargo because I don't have enough income now, any suggestions to get a loan pre-approved from Seattle local bank or mortgage institution? 

That instant $87k into the bank account is quite appealing, but you will have a large tax bill on it and will need to reinvest it at a return higher than what you can get from holding. if you can consistently do that, then the flip is the better avenue with the caveat that it is a full active business compared to the semi active business of landlording.

What type of paint looks best (eggshell, semi-gloss, etc) or do you have any other ideas for improving what I have to work with?

@Barbara Goodman  Here's pics of the bathroomI always "semi-stage" the bathroom and kitchen. 

Hello Tyrone,I too am a wholesaler in semi north GA.

Most we visit semi-annually and certain ones (student rentals; where a major renovation was just completed) quarterly.Do you include inspection info in your lease agreement?

For 5-10 it is 6 months subject/6 months each additional financed property.Also - 720 mid FICO, 70-75% LTV depending on units and cash out.Liquid reserves can also include semi-liquid reserves like 401K, IRA, CDs, whole life ins policies, etc.