Comparing workload, a multi-unit property will still require showings, maintenance etc for multiple units.

I usually run several CMAs, with different criterial, and of course compare tax appraisal value with a wholesale price, add 5% as a fee to a transaction, in some cases.

Cash flow is great, but it can feel incremental compared to the boost you get from equity plays.For me, it's more situational.

If this is not something you're interested in delving into and learning to a high degree, then investing in publicly traded REITs would be another good option for you, which have historically returned about 13.5 per cent Per year over the past 50 years (1977-present), beating the US stock market by two per cent and even beating private real estate investing by 4 per cent (that's compared with the average real estate investor, not the experts here at Bigger Pockets).

It could provide more cash flow but your leverage would still be less due to the total value of that property compared to the 4plex3) Is there an easy way to understand what price range I should stick to in my area, and should I focus on the best market or focus on the best price for properties? 

So, they got taken advantage of.4) They didn't do enough research on comparable properties before doing repairs - so went either overboard or slumlord, instead of properly Maintaining to the Neighborhood.The other challenge we encounter often is investors expecting perfection.

so every step is tougher.2. you don't really compare the interest rate when purchased and the interest rate when refinancing - that is apples and oranges. 

its cheap  compared to what you get I found a strict foreclosure in Oregon that their site was on the only one tracking it and we made over 300k on that one deal. 

You have a good rate compared to current rates.

One of the agents @Eric Fernwood has posted several times on BP with charts and graphs comparing Las Vegas and a few other cities, appreciation over the years, etc.