I found that multifamilies (which I am interested in investing in) are hard to come by in that area (although I have only been looking at online sources).

The books that have helped me the most so far are the Rich Dad Poor Dad books, and playing the free version of his game CashFlow online.

My personal bet for properties at the moment is the midwest, because mainstream doesn't talk about it yet.

I think your best bet will be a portfolio lender.

You can do the research, join a local apartment association or hire a PM.If that sounds doable to you, you can certainly search online for a property, but if you find a good agent, they should be able to steer you to a property that will serve you well as well as point you in the right direction for any management advice you might need.Best of luck!

If an investor is eager to pay 350K all-cash off market, I'll bet you can find a retail buyer (or an unsophisticated "investor") to pay even more.

No way around good planning and doing your homework.Exactly, I've never done it that way, I'd only use that as an estimate if you were looking at a house online or something.

It is a passive tax loss for people in high tax bracket who bet property values will go up.      

Online option? 

With all the new apartments coming on line vacancy rates will most likely dip for a period of time