First, most investors and owners of real estate related businesses are in one or more of the following situations1- they’re unable to duplicate their expertise that drives the ROI and they are at their personal max capacity as to time2- they’re obtaining high ROI by use of excessive leverage 3 - they’re obtaining high ROI by taking excessive risk4- they hit correct timing in the correct market, and this is not necessarily repeatable with any probabilityIn order for an investment or business to scale, we need the ROI (on a risk adjusted basis) to be sufficient to cover a PREMIUM risk adjusted return to passive investors; all expenses of managing the assets and the business, and a significant return to the “sponsor” providing compensation to him making the work, risk and time worth while. 

@Anthony Angotti Correct!

Yes correct.

They tend to cash flow really well ;) @Nathan Gesner is correct, however.

@Kyle Cross, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think maybe what you're getting at is potentially pitching to your parents that you would like to take a shot at personally managing the units to gain experience and some form of compensation.

They will not finance new construction correct? 

Let me clarify:You’re correct that there are some parallels.

E.th. you mention in the post is correct. 

Correct, the idea would be to owner-occupy one of the units (I’m looking at 2-4 unit options).

IF you decide to move forward in Memphis, recommend buying the first one turnkey to get you going.You'll learn a lot about rentals and the market with the first one.THEN, if you like results you can look for agents & PMCs to help you buy more and save the 20-30% markup you mentioned.Recommend you also read below info to set your expectations correctly:_________________________________________________________________________We think the Midwest is a GREAT place for OOS investors to consider!