How to find a deal: you can search these topics to find out more on each- Driving for Dollars(easiest and cheapest)-Direct mail (takes cash)- Bandit signs( check local ordinances) -A lead generating websiteIs it a Good deal: research these topics- Local market ( flip area or rental area)- cost of rehab (most neglected area)- ARV or after repair value- How to find Comps (real ones) So there you have it, a short list of what you need to know to start and I'm sure I missed a bunch.

The easiest, and less risky, is to birddog/refer the lead to an investor/wholesaler who can turn it into a deal.

Any advice on which mortgage companies are easiest to work with for multifamily financing?  

I found that the easiest list was to work with motivated sellers who gave an obvious problem (mortgage foreclosure, tax default, etc.). 

You also can't gift him money to close (assuming he doesn't have that) as it won't have time to season.

Easiest approach would be to report all activity on your 1040 until it grows a bit.

The easiest way not to run into this problem is to first locate the property you want to buy, then to place a contract on it contingent on selling the old property and doing a 1031 exchange.

Yep, everybody wants the best price on the easiest process with the best service and the fastest close and easiest qualifying requirements! 

Find the one that you think would be easiest for you to get your first deal done.

What got me interested was the fact that my grandfather gifted me a house.