I have a memory of being maybe 19, Saturday night, sitting on the floor of our first apartment with a newspaper spread out, circling houses while my friends were out clubbing.

Ask them if you should obtain an exclusive contract on the moon while you are at it.

In my state, you have to file for one at the county office, and then you have to publicize it in the county newspaper for 3 wks straight.

My question is do most people use owner occupied FHA exclusively for duplexes or can you use it for single family properties (for investing purposes)?

I have been almost exclusively buy 'n hold multi family in Silicon Valley for 20 years. 

Advertising expenses can include things like paying for newspaper or online for rent ads, paying for signs that say ‘for rent’ and even paying for an advertising company to promote your properties.

On Craigslist, a sign out front, in the newspaper - any of those would show it was ready for rent. 

One good way to learn your market is through local real estate investment groups and networking with other investors in your target market.Click on the ‘Network’ tab in the nav bar to utilize BP’s networking resources.Drive or walk around your target market to get a feel for it.Take a different route to and from work, school, church, and supermarket in order to visit other neighborhoods and communities.Identify the local newspaper that talks specifically about real estate and subscribe to it.

If you negotiate one, is it an exclusive option?

Speaking of other agents, consider asking your buyer for a non-exclusive buyer's agreement or at least ask if they have any agreements with other agents in the area "so you know what not to send."