We have now put about 50k into developing an apartment above garage as our "1st property" rental.

A win for the investor (which can only be determined by finding out what their needs are for being a part of this and nailing it), a win for you (purchasing an asset using someone else's money), and a win for the tenants you are housing (making sure you take care of each and every tenant ethically and with respect). 

I would love to hear everyones opinion on buying a SFH rental near several apartment complexes (around 1-4 miles).  

Is it similar to analyzing a multi unit or apartment?

Where is your current 8-plex and how many bedrooms per apartment?

I've had a great interest in real estate for some time now and am looking for a way to get some experience on a part time basis.

like me, alot of investors, especially out of the area investors/ rebab/flipers, want to structure something above and beyond paying a contractor for his estimated repairs, (or to an agent for being a project manager for the completion of the rehab above basic selling commission for relisting)  but something to incentivize the deal, like a part commission above and beyond a certain net; offer this to an agent or GC to put extra attention to the deal to completion...you can call this anything you want, a team member, a sweat equity partner..it doesn't matter..but I certainly want to offer a "part" of a deal above and beyond...and repeat with that person...it is a good feeling...and Im out of the area, and if any action is to be taken, I will be semi dependant on somebody to care above and beyond the norm... - from zero experienced flipping guy, matt..

If I can not get access to the property, I will assume anything built before 1982 will contain asbestos/lead in common materials (based on my experience there's a 90% chance this is the case).I believe Texas requires any "contractor" performing ASB abatement to have a license, which means Texas has some regulations established regarding removal & disposal.In California, if you are the property owner you can perform the removal/abatement yourself (assuming SFR), the only requirement is that the asbestos waste be bagged up & taken to a designated facility (in my case in Santa Barbara there is a facility at UCSB where homeowners can take the waste at no/minimal charge). 

Getting your real estate license can certainly be worth it, you can get access to your local MLS, and perhaps you can earn some extra income being an agent. 

I plan on buying my first property (hopefully a multi unit) using an fha loan and living in one apartment while renting out the other.