I'd also recommend you reach out a local investor-friendly agent who can provide comps, walk you through the entire process (this is HUGE for first-timers especially), connect you with other RE professionals (attorney, inspector, contractor, property manager, etc) and help you navigate your target market(s).Best of luck to you moving forward!

It is possible to buy a plex with an FHA loan, but you and your seller -- and your respective realtors -- need to collaborate to carefully navigate the timelines.I can confirm that the timelines you mentioned above are accurate.

Review fee increase historyLot of people do successful condo investing by understanding and navigating HOA rules.

I've read the forums on how to do pre-screenings, but I think most DC landlords are not as rigorous and I think people may be irritated by having to fill out the screening form before a showing.

I think you've got some really great ideas here, and I hope others in the community might be able to come up with some solutions.Yes, the Red Cross and others will obviously help victims in the short term, and provide some initial relief, but there needs to be help provided for the long term.I imagine trying to navigate insurance companies, and knowing your rights (regarding insurance contracts) might be helpful for some folks.

Would potential tenants be able to navigate the site with ease?

As we navigate the road to our first investment property we've come into a bit of a dilemma. 

Anyone have experience navigating these murky waters?

Congratulations.It's time to assemble your team.You need a good mortgage broker to help you navigate the mortgage waters. 

I'm usually the do it your self kind of person and I've tried looking up some of these records through the county sights but they are ridiculously hard to navigate and I feel like I have to sort through endless amounts of data.