Just focus on running the numbers carefully to ensure the property cash flows or at least covers expenses, and don’t hesitate to lean on resources here for advice.If you’re financing, look into FHA loans, as they’re great for first-time buyers purchasing up to 4-unit properties with low down payments.

We're new to real estate and would appreciate advice on our current home in Texas and our future place in Oregon.We love our house in Austin and aren't ready to sell, but as a long-term rental, it would yield (from what I understand) negative cash flow, covering principal and interest but not taxes and insurance.

Now let's say I find a triplex that covers the 1% rule but combined cash flow from all 3 doors is roughly $150-$200 or would you want to keep it at $150-$200 cash flow per door with the 1% rule applying? 

If a person has RCV or ACV policy makes a huge difference, than question of what coverage level people had and if they had policy add-on's that cover cost over-runs and all that fun stuff, not to mention contents. 

If you need to cover utilities, the numbers tighten significantly, making a lower purchase price essential.Let me know if you have any further questions or want to explore these numbers in more detail—I’d be happy to help! 

But I would charge the extra 3% to cover my costs.

Lower property taxes, affordable housing compared to LA (CA buyers are usually cash buyers because what they net from their smaller home in CA can get them a bigger home here, often covered by what they net from their CA sale), allergies (smog), and politics. 

The zoning office suggests reviewing the zoning ordinance, but the course didn’t cover zoning assumptions in detail.What’s the best way to verify zoning suitability and double-check zoning information?

All which they cover in the training. 

Regardless you are supposed to always register your rental unit with the town annually, and be subject to their rent control inflation numbers.