Work at establishing in-person relationships that will serve you well over time, not just one-and-done.

Look into DSCR loans, which use rental income for qualification, allowing you to scale without relying on personal income.

Meaning they went into a standalone bank account (not mixed with your other personal funds). 

I personally would recommend the last method.

.: I'd be tempted into doing an STR (maybe with a higher down payment to ensure cashflow, just run ROI numbers) or an apartment complex - I personally wouldn't mess w/ small stuff.

In 2008 when the stocks went down, I realized my 401k was invested with a person I had never met.

i've managed both OOS and in-person and both can be a pain but OOS is just harder for most new investors, period.

If you're really serious about it, I'd focus on building relationships with operators and capital raisers — those are the people who can get you into off-market deals before they hit the public.I'm not pitching anything, just sharing how I personally incorporate syndications into my multifamily ventures.

Check out this table: https://www.municode.com/library/ca/oakland/codes/...This is what you're looking for: https://www.screencast.com/t/Xkyp3OZWkI Oakland, for a building with 3 units or more you need to have a lot sized at 7,500 sq ft.  --- From the zoning code it says, an RM-2 zoned lot can have "1 unit per 2,500 sf. of lot area"If you don't meet that lot size requirement you'll need to make a request for a variance, then post notice about the desired change in front of the building.

Meeting the team personally has some value but I have worked with dozens of investors who have never been to Memphis and never meet me face to face.