I am talking about the kind of People who manage or sell shopping centers and 300 unit apartment complexes.

I wouldn't shy away from a multi unit complex.

A good flipper can have a property rehabbed and sold in 6 months or less depending on the complexity of the rehab.

This is how I tend to think about scope of repairs (this is basic and not comprehensive, obviously):Cosmetic is the basic stuff that you see as you walk through the house, and the stuff that a good handyman or day-laborer could generally handle from a construction standpoint.As you move to the right of the chart, you get into the issues that are more complex, require specialized contractors and start to cost more.

My dream is to own a grocery store and an apartment complex, and a few houses. 

I have a 24 unit complex, all 2 bd, 1 bth.  

In addition to the added costs, I feel it just adds a lot of unnecessary complexity since we will only be doing 1 property at a time to start.

I can afford the downpayment and mortgage, but I don't want to over extend myself on the first property (looking at rental properties, a 6 unit apartment complex).

@Mike M   It would be nice if everyone had the same pull with PM were they did not have to pay placement fee';s or mark up on certain repairs  and could get the rate to 8%.My business partner from Honolulu who owns a 80 unti and 40 unit complex in PDX he only pays 4% management but is required to have on site manager.. so no placement fee's.A lot of what is marketed for out of state folks is TK and as such depending on the area the management issues are real and intense..

Commercial is more complex and involves a higher degree of understanding and knowledge where residential some agents can fog a mirror and get a license and attempt to sell a residential property.