I have already closed on the property and the renter is surprisingly current on rent and utilities despite the circus the previous owner put them through. 

I'm a bit surprised to hear a broker say you can't find a deal on the MLS but definitely appreciate you shooting me straight. 

That involves consideration on forming a legal entity that you might have to hire someone to advise you,  figuring out your financing that you pe-qualify for and get a loan letter from the lender that will help you and give the owner a comfort level, and a new business location that is convenient and has minimal distractions.  

I was a bit surprised...I think what a prior investor did, is they bought the tri-plex, then sold each unit as a "town home" - to the tune of $400,000+ for each unit. 

I'm not surprised it got a lot of attention. 

Garrett is one of the Rich Dad Advisors and I found it a pretty easy and (surprisingly) entertaining read.

I would pass as a first time investor - you might find surprises in rehab and get too close to the ARV.Too many unknowns, imho.

This should definitely build credibility with your buyers, especially in the beginning stages, that you have done your due diligence to prevent any surprises and that you care about your buyers.

The only surprises were installing a new retaining wall and filling in pool.

Surprise, surprise, Massachusetts living up to its nickname of Taxachusetts!