I'd start by identifying your WHY and then moving forward from there.Good luck!

Extremely interested in real estate investing and the "architect as developer" form of practice (check out what Jonathan Segal is doing www.jonathansegalarchitect.com/ ) @Jared W Smith, I have the same question as Jonathan... how are our unique skillsets applicable in this space?

As an AZ Property Manager, I see many clients develop wealth via real estate and encourage you to explore this option.Always happy to answer questions regarding the process, the property, the rental etc.PS: Make sure the tenants are screened really well!!

one thing I find in our markets is the larger multi family new developments just don't pop up one day.they are 3 to 4 years in the making and its a little like stopping a cruise ship once it gets going .so what we are working on today in planning and permitting we wont built for another 2 years or so.whats coming on line today folks bought and started in 2015 and 2016.. so that can lead to over supply for sure in the rental realm. 

So far, I've started working with a real estate agent I think is great, and also believe I've identified a property manager that I think is a good fit for me.The agent has been bringing me deals that seem to fit my parameters.

If so, and the title commitment identifies those encroachments as specific exceptions on the title commitment, you would say "Not acceptable. 

If they were that bad you should have identified the issues while you were inspecting the property.  

You will develop the reputation of someone who doesn't close on deals which is the worst thing to be in the acquisition world.  

The owner is a great guy who is an investor and developer himself who is great to work with if you have your ducks in a row. 

Good stuff up there.With me, especially because I've only accrued about 12 months experience in Chicago where we are buying right now, anytime I cannot identify true, apple-to-apples comparables, I might just pass on the deal altogether.Especially in Chicago where you have several types of homes (bungalows, ranches, cape cods, georgians, etc.), you really cannot comp one with the other unless it's the same style.Here are some general tips when comping homes:Never cross any major highways, and try not to cross any major streets if you can.