This gives me a chance to add value up front. 3.

Residential at least has a chance of being profitable. 

I could put a down payment for a conventional (20-25%) 550k duplex, but I feel it could hurt my chances of buying as many duplexes in a 5 year period (for example) if I go conventional VS an FHA at 3.5%. 

You may need to resubmit things several times, have a hard time getting ahold of them, and there is a very high chance they blow your deal up last minute, but at least you have the opportunity to get the best rate! 

I would say no-pitch meetups over a year would be the best possible chance to find someone who can be a voice of reason in your investing life if you don't have one.

Does anybody by chance own rentals in Cahokia, IL?

There was never a chance to actually win a car or the trip but rather enjoy the David Goggins types telling me that I'm being lazy loser, get your act together, become the best version of yourself!

If something has only a 1 in 2 chance of occurring but returns 10x if it occurs, that is typically a good investment.My last purchase (not the one I am currently under contract but last purchase) was large negative cash flow at aquisition.  

Most owners over value their property, and particularly if you are looking at off-market deals, that seller is not even motivated enough to list their property, so the chances of you getting a "deal" are very low.  3. 2-4 families don't trade on cap rate.4.

In our opinion, Class C tenants have FICO scores from 550 to 600 - where their chance of default/nonpayment is 15-22%.