I don't think rents have gone up any higher than that now when i checked online on a couple of websites. 

Check online for complaints about the syndicator.

Your lender should be able to provide you with a quote (though- shop around and NEGOTIATE!)

Shop around for utilities if you are paying for it.Shop around for dumpsters line up the contractors to do all maintenance requests or upgrades you need to do.get ready to Install motion lights outside prepare ownership change letters to tenantscopies of keys copies of all leases (should have got in DD)Ask the lender and title company to provide you with the final Settlement statement so you see which other costs to expect. 

As a part of my application, I tell applicants that I require that payments be made online by debiting a bank account. 

Most of the multifamilies I've seen available online are in desperate need of repairs to make it comfortable for us and the tenants! 

If your a one man shop I would only do deals you can drive to and control.there is a reason most banks wont lend to folks that live more than an hour from their project.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

I'm only just starting to shop and look into what my options are now, and don't plan on moving until at least early 2019, so I'm glad to start getting an idea of where to focus my efforts.

As such we opt for online rental portals and a call center.Just goes to show you that there are a million ways to make money in real estate and the greatest success is acheived by designing a strategy that best acheived your own personal goals.