A duplex with large units (like 3/2 or larger) on each side would generate more rent and keep your monthly cost down.Having a 5-7-year occupancy timeline is great because, even with 5-10% down, you can find a property that will cashflow when you move out.To answer some of your specific questions:Zoning throughout much of LA is rather mixed between single-family (R1) and multifamily (R2 and up).

It's definitely an issue, but there are ways to combat it, it's just a question of tech savvy.For example we ask for landlines only, and then verify the number belongs to a landline.

We've received so many mixed answers from lawyers, tax assessors, etc. on when you actually can sell the property.

I work in tech (there are lots of us in Seattle) and my friends/colleagues/acquaintances have noticed my new hobby.

I am not mixing funds with my own, these are stand alone projects I am lending my expertise to.

@Ana Haynes - I am in the exact same situation you are - except I am looking to convert mixed used - 1 store and 2 apartments to 3 apartments.

Having a parent or co-signer involved is very dependent on your comfort level of mixing money and family.   2-4 plex purchases in Boise are tough right now, but you sounds like you have determination!

Then again, I personally do mix the reasoning together because of the fact that m2m usually causes me more turnover and therefore costs compared to 1 year leases.I have to admit, though, that so far this is a mixed pool of sorts since my 1 year lease tenants tend to actually leave after this year due to relocation etc while some of my m2m stay even longer than 12 months...

Of course I do, but I am concerned that I might be mixing different category of income with PAL from real estate rentals.    

Hello,I am in negotiations to buy a mixed use property (3 commercial and 5 residential units), and need some tax and legal advice.