Build a solid foundation before taking a step up - each and every step of the way.There’s a way to scale recklessly and there is a way to scale safely.When OPM is involved safe is way better than reckless.Despite a life long career in RE, I scaled as followsBought a few duplexes for my own accountBought a fourplex for my own accountBought 12 units as a JV with some friendsSyndicated 43 unitsSyndicated 30 unitsBought another 12 units as a JVSyndicated 281 unitsThis was over a 3 or 4 year period.and so forth - now I am GP in close to 1000 units with $125M AUM.Even with all that, my sweet spot is 30 to 50 unit properties - they work best for my partners and I and more importantly our investors. 

Study what has sold at a solid price and quickly.

A straightforward way to estimate value is by looking at the price per square foot and using that to calculate your property's worth.In situations like this, it's worth spending a couple of hours yourself to get a solid understanding of the market.

Do they have solid banking relationships and broker relationships to lease out the units. 

I pull pretty solid lists, I find a lot of my deals off market, just thought I could reach more if I have a few full time callers on the phones.While i'm at it, how are you guys finding good deals in today's world?

I have been looking into what CRM and systems to use, and it sounds like RESimpli is a solid option.

Quote from @Matt McNabb: I'm a solid $400k/yr job in NYC and have $250k to begin investing as my first step into building a portfolio, although I don't have time to be a landlord so I have to account for management fees.  

Just in case.Ultimately whatever correlates with your future plans but a solid way to build long term wealth.

It has a fairly solid workflow. 

Insurance right now is wild, so I'd get a solid broker on your team - I'd be happy to share my contact if that would help.Also, aren't most of the existing insurances shared on the OMs for the properties?