I took the initiative to learn as much as I possibly could about the business, particularly small multi family buy and hold.

Through lots of reading and learning we have decided to try to find a multi-family/duplex to live in and rent.

I’m a 32 year old IT systems professional.

Hi John,Multi family in the  bay area is tricky.

That newer asphalt, or when it is resealed or newly striped, looks pretty sharp (but then you have some costs and maintenance), but I am not sure the attractive lot would bring much more in rent nor would gravel drive off good tenants.Finally, I shovel snow with the body sled type shovels and it would knock me out without a smooth surface underneath like asphalt or cement, so with gravel maybe check how that would work with your snow removal system (be it shovel, snowblower, or plow truck)...probably gravel best fit for plow truck...Best of luck

We are considering a property with two commercial spaces and two 1/1 apartments. The realtor just told me we need 50% down. Has anyone experienced this and are there any other options?

Also related to this property -...

I'm excited to get started ASAP after I get married (in March 2017) and plan to start with a multi-family unit to occupy and rent out other units simultaneously.

I typically have handled and enjoy the Analyzing, Financing, Negotiations, Systems, Automation of the business and year end taxes etc...

I've lived and worked in NJ all my life, Construction for 30 years, built sheds to custom multi million dollar homes to light commercial work. pricing is all in what has to be done and what goes into the project.

With a WordPress site, you own the hosting and most of the content you just use their CMS (Content management system).This allows you to be a bit more flexible with the places you host and how exactly you market you site, unlike the sites like Wix or SquareSpace.WordPress also makes it extremely easy to manage any leads, integrate new plug ins and really add valuable features to your site.Here is an example of breakdown costs:Wordpress Theme: $5-$50 (One time)Hosting from HostGator: $5-10/moDomain name - Namecheap: $14/yrCustom email address - Google Apps; $5/mo.MailChimp - to collect the emails and allow you to send out emails to a mass audience: $10/mo. or FREEYou of course don't have to do everything here, but it's a good example of the costs.