Look at "closability", meaning are they smooth with the process, do they know their stuff, and to they get the job done.

Has anyone ever used one of these loans to buy a multi-family property and if so, how smooth did it go?

Sure it's important to get a good property manager, but that never means things will go smoothly, and it never ever means the PM will care about your property as if it were there own. so yes, your experience is typical.

Hi there, I'm a writer doing a story for Bigger Pockets on seller financing focused on finding baby boomer sellers (who likely own their homes).

What can we do NOW to make a future transaction and deed transfers a smooth process? 

I was thinking either:SawZall the metal pole frames as close to the concrete as I can and just try to throw some concrete on top to smooth over these spots.  

Compare these to repairs and maintenance expenses, which merely keep the existing systems running smoothly.

A fantasy told by a fourth rate writer.

It was a great experience and everything went smoothly. 

I hope your journey is going smooth so far.