I'd start looking at properties that are in desirable rental locations.

It's a place to start.

I am just getting started on analyzing the data, however I am keen on investing in this area... specifically in small multi-family (no more than 4 units).

You start well, but adding a bit more value upfront, such as positioning yourself as someone who "specializes in helping homeowners sell quickly and hassle-free," could increase receptiveness.Asking if they’re "hoping" to sell the house is smart and non-aggressive.

I know of a company that went through a broker like this and the broker connected them with someone That ended up having a pretty bad history and the borrower wired millions after paperwork was signed for “prepaid interest reserve” and now, while they got the judgment, the money was sent overseas and it’s most likely long gone.

When starting out, I think you should at least be able to get to your property several times within the first couple of years to en reasonable amousure everything is set up and functioning properly.

I've been here since 2007 (but only started investing in SFH recently) and have definitely noticed that when I see a duplex, tri, quad, 8+ they all seem to be in rougher neighborhoods...that being said, I myself definitely want to find some and may end up relying on off-market deals to find what I want.Let me know if you learn anything new about multifamily here in Memphis, I'd love to understand it more as well!

We were going to start gifting them money to help cover those expenses when the idea came up of buying their house to give them a cash infusion.

@Michael Plaks Could I start a project as an investment property, take the depreciation in 2024 taxes, then recapture in 2025 taxes but plan to invest in RE that year to offset the recapture?

You have just as much liability for the loan as the company does.Are all the HML's in your area like that?