First recognize that 2 to 4 units are valued on comps and not cap rate.  

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

One area I recognize I’m lacking in is networking.

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

Start with your primary, rent out any spare bedrooms "house hack"Use that to practice upgrades, kitchen, bathroom, curb appeal... etcNow you have experience as a landlord and flipper, use that to buy a distressed propertyAdd 40% equity to the property through home makeover, refinance into a low cost mortgageNow you are cashflowing a healthy margin on a second property, use that to build equity over time, cashout later and buy your duplex/quad.If it's going to take you 10 years to save up a down payment for a small apartment building, yeah it makes more sense to start growing your portfolio with cheap SFR flips instead.Every market is different, every borrower is different, every property is different, it would be ill-advised to recommend anything without recognizing the individual's nuanced goals and objectives with their next acquisition.

Recognize that going out of state will come with a lot of learning and education; there's a cost for that of your time and if its better served educating out of state or spending it on the property.

Courts recognize that discrimination may result from both intentional and unintentional conduct.The important term is "protected class".

I love a risk if it means a reward. we’d love to buy a rental in our future home state but recognize the complexities of that.

More conflict, less desire to recognize he value of my experience and resulting success  He started a rehab Dec 1 and left to Europe today.  

Call it nicely it’s market inefficiency but recognize that Chicago historically is a very segregated city.