Both flat and percentage base charge usually a 1 month fee to lease out the unit. 

I am considering living in one of the units myself.

I don't know the laws in Australia, but in the states, you can usually get a low down payment loan if you will live in the place and you can do this up to a 4 unit and rent out the rest.

I am new to the world of real estate investing and want to one day own properties and rent units out.

Make sure they fit your communication style and prelease the units.

If your goal is to maximize cash flow, look for properties where you can live in one unit and rent the others at market rates.

You are out in Cali so it is tough to get a good cash flow deal but if you have a comfort level check out states Like Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Las Vegas, Tenn, Georgi and a few others.Unlike Cali you can still find a decent 2-4 unit in states Like IN, OH and FL for under $250K with rents at or above $1250 a door.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson:As for the second, there are only about 20 monetary numbers to be entered in Turbo Tax on a single unit rental property 1065 so it always seems to me that the $3500 would be better spent elsewhere.

I have one bizz partner I sold a 100 unit apartment to 18 years ago for 5 mil and he paid cash..

@Steve Meyers I’ve been running this with some success with a local cincinnati agent on 2+ units and nationally with a commercial broker for shopping centers.