I've got a fairly large emergency fund to cover mtg/tax/ins payments in case of mass vacancies or no rent.

With a good paying job you should be able to qualify for financing fairly easily.

I wrote about an example for BP of a fairly common type of miscommunication and how asset protection kept my client out of court.

So long as you don't violate a fair housing law you are fine to decline anyone for any reason at anytime.

I disagree with your theory in a market with higher prices and desirability other investors are willing to accept a lower return because they are fairly sure the market won't collapse out from under them. 

The hardest part was getting him to understand that there is a fairly specific process to multi family deals and unless you pay all cash, you can’t avoid it. 

There are 4 bedrooms(including the 1bed apartment upstairs) with each renting for $375-400/mo She owns the house free and clear, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about giving her a fair deal that gives both of us the best outcome.

The NOI or net operating income is also a fairly straightforward concept.

His offer is based on the appraised value of the house (which I agree is fair) minus a 6% realtor fee.I'm not an investor or seasoned real estate pro so would appreciate some advice on how to proceed:-is the 6% discount for a direct sale a reasonable offer?

Dube could be persuaded to revise their work.Finally, if you are interested in commercial real-estate (larger apartment buildings, office complexes, strip malls, factories, etc) then "Commercial Real Estate Investing" by the father and son team of Pierre & Claude Boiron, while a little pricey and fairly Ontario centric in its examples and some of its material, is one of the most thorough introductory references you will find.