To give you something as a reference based on your budget (30-40% down with $1.8M), the general cap rates you will see in the Bay Area are roughly 3-5% https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1047-Rich-Ave-Mountain-View-...https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1180-Saranap-Ave-Walnut-Cree...You will find higher cap rates and more 20+ units buildings in SF, Oakland, and Richmond, but keep in mind of their stringent tenant laws. 

When I'm investing in trust deeds - my primary concern is the safety of the principal.

People most successful in all aspects of real estate investing and the real estate BUSINESS, gain knowledge and experience n three areas: (1) real estate principles, (2) real estate law, and (3) real estate finance.  

Florida's gun and range laws are very range friendly though.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

To plan investment and future rental goals in Albany, research market trends, explore financing options, understand landlord-tenant laws, manage property early, budget for maintenance, and connect with local investors.

They usually cherry-pick fire and safety related items from new editions of the building code that just can't wait, in their opinion.

Even though the law does not require you to be at the first hearing you should be there.

Yes tenants are complaining, VT law says 30 days notice which I have given but the tenant swears up and down that it isn't them.

Mind you, with mortgage interest rates in the US being so much higher now (and seemingly for the foreseeable future), I wouldn't be surprised if LTRs in Europe would cash flow better than in the whole US nowadays (to be verified).This being said, I don't and would never invest in LT rentals outside of North America  as I wouldn't want to face unfavourable landlord/tenant laws as a foreigner.