This will create more costs. 

My strategy incorporates asset protection measures like LLCs, specific trusts as well as professional property management to spread risk and ensure quality operations.As well as using tax codes to my benfiitSection 179, IRC Section 162, Cost Segregation and Bonus Depreciation and later 1031 them out for larger projects. 

My model is NOT good for LTR as it's not cost effective. 

My experience with the smaller multi-family units has been that more occupants = more wear and tear on your property so the turnover costs are often higher than SFH.

Sorry one additional item I hit post too soon...The reason I asked about TIA is because you generally want to get a contractors opinion of cost prior to lease during that negotiating phase so you know how much that TIA covers and what you'll be coming out of pocket for.  

One of the things I'm trying to figure out is if I'm better off getting a few lower cost properties or on higher priced property. 

You end up with Hotel Quality sheets / soaps for the cost of Amazon or even less.

What marketing strategies are the most cost effective?

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

The overhead to start a company is low, but the cost to scale is high.