We as individuals are at a disadvantage up here unless we get more organized.

Landlords that do options are usually not real motivated sellers and they likely know more about the potential income than you do, your chances of being set up in a deal that puts you at a disadvantage is usually the case.

Accepting money from a potential tenant, whether it is for rent or security deposit, without a signed lease first, puts you at a serious disadvantage and opens you up to all kinds of risk, misunderstandings, and problems, as you are now finding out.I think your attorney has given you very bad advice.

Instead of viewing that as a disadvantage I view it as a blessing because I am using the time to learn every thing possible, and will hopefully avoid many mistakes by taking the time to learn from the mistakes of others.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.

Welcome to BP @David RuppAny advice, but specifically advice about starting out young would be greatly appreciatedRemember being young and inexperienced is not a disadvantage.

That doesn't mean there aren't some great deals out there with SFRs - at the right price and location, there are several great investment opportunities with them - but given the choice, side by side, I would rather buy and hold a multiplex - which in my area are actually in high demand now.Some obvious disadvantages are if both tenants stop paying rent, your going to have a big nut to crack - and as others have mentioned - multiplexes usually have the water lines tied to one account / meter and the owner is typically responsible for water payment ( unless negotiated in the contract).

Is there an advantage / disadvantage to using the MLS (with the help of a realtor of course) vs the county assessors site to pull comps if you aren't a realtor?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?

Based on your experiences, what are the advantages and disadvantages of having an over/under?