I’m pretty new but I have several properties and have been investing there for about a year and I’m having pretty good success.

In terms of investing, if you have enough money to put into several things, then why not diversify?!

The appreciation on MF is not very high and often stays that way for several years. 

Also, as far as good signs for a market: look for job growth, population growth in the area in the last several years, see how many major employers are there, whether these major employers can sustain the population growth, whether these are the types of employers that will remain for a long time (in demand, like a Hospital or  College), also how close is a town to the large metro, can people get to work under one hour.

We had been talking because he claimed he had flipped several houses and he worked with fellow BPers one in specific @Dave Van Horn at his Note PPR company (BTW I have listened to David's podcasts and they are very inspiring so I am not taking anything away from him). 

There are several previous threads that might be helpful:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/70/topics/4251...Type the following in a Google search: site:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/70 jv

I own several lots that are Zoned I2 in Indianapolis Indiana.

I have received quotes from several companies, but $2500 (the lowest bidder) seems a bit costly.

@Kyle MitchellThere are several good real estate focused CPA's active on BP. 

If you are targeting properties on the MLS being licensed could be a big benefit as you could see the properties quicker and write your own offers without having to rely on another agent.There are costs to keep in mind but one decent deal should pay for several years of costs at least here in California .