Same approx. net to seller (minus about $15 per $1000 for increased difference on doc stamps of deed and Owner's Title Policy)WHAT IF SELLER HAS TO PAY CAP GAINS TAX ON THE PROPERTY?   

I want to cut down costs all around the board but in return I get a less valuable vehicle and practically lose the down payment.

I have been attending meet ups, webinars, listening to bigger pockets podcasts and meeting with successful real estate investors and landlords to gain as much knowledge and insight as possible.

I  go to these things to gain a little bit of information if any, but I see no reason to go to the paid ones since I can get the information I need via online like Bigger Pockets. 

If you own it for 2 years as your official primary residence (where your driver's license and voting is registered, oh and where you officially live, of course), you'll qualify for the capital gains exemption up to $250k when you sell.Sometimes just having another pair of eyes helps to uncover your options.

Initially when I started working in loans, the idea was to study for my RE license along the way and gain knowledge of the loan side so I’d be more informed when I became an agent.

Thank you all for your valuable insight.

And secondly, what would be valuable to a multi-family investor that someone with time (like me) but no experience can provide?

The market will change with the housing bubble and wholesalers will be less valuable as bank own properties "REO's" will be the low hanging fruit, per the investor buyer perspective (just like what happened in 2008).

My guess is I will not reach those numbers in the beginning (maybe ever) and need to be comfortable losing some money but gaining a place to stay.