@Isaac Geller As a foreign investor I definitely  think that you are on the right track looking at passive RE investing (as opposed to the direct route you were considering). 

I'm also recommending that all my clients invest in multi units as opposed to SFR's to minimize the impact of vacancy, if that were to happen, given how low most cap rates are these days.

Depending on the property, I like to be present during as many offers as I can, whether for myself or my clients, so as to present the strongest offer possible. 

I'm working with clients in San Diego right now that are going through that analysis at the moment, especially with the newest 199A 20% deduction/rate just enacted with the newest laws too. 

Not sure if your agent hired a photographer or pulled a DIY job but the right lens selection would capture more of the rooms potentially attracting more clients.

@Adrian Jones  We can approve client on basis of credit, assets and income but not appraisal.

She was the loan officer for one of my clients that purchased a 3-family in Middletown, CT last year and was a pleasure to work with.

Since my first comment in the chain, additional people have chimed in to say that the market will never go down againBecause foreign investorsBecause California Because some people don’t need to make money YaddaYadda YaddaNone of these factors existed before this current cycle?

Here in FLorida, in the 2010-2015, I sold almost exclusively SF investor homes (about 200 of them, to investors from Cali, and abroad), and as values rose, and ROI's dropped, I found the natural progression was toward multi, to get worthwhile returns for my clients. 

I have seen many a client get in very bad shape with partners, friend or otherwise, because they did not go through this very important step.