I am hopefully going to be acquiring my first rental unit, a duplex, shortly, presenting offer tomorrow.

To do this I will need to acquire double digits properties; however a family member and I are debating about short term (vacation rentals) vs. long term rentals.  

He got his realtor license and will make his way to being a commercial realtor where the Multi Family action is more accessible.

You will be much better prepared to build that killer team for OOS after you have acquired certain knowledge that is best learned hands-on 3) Local provides the potential for owner occupied which has better loan terms (lower down payment and lower rate).  4) Local provides you the best opportunity to be an "expert" on the area.So if I were you I would wait until after I pick where I am going to live before purchasing. 

The website allows the applicant to access the application through our website, upload their application docs (proof of income, copy of ID, etc) through the portal, and pay through the portal as well.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/834/topics/527345-strategies-for-maximizing-benefits-to-acquire-properties-quickly?

My issue-situation-question is this: Because we have made REI our goal, with a plan for a lifestyle change, business objectives , and everything, we are online every day looking for and analyzing deals [as you can see I upgraded my BP account to have full access to the calculators!!!

You learn quite a bit about RE and the laws in your area, you'll network with many buyer and sellers and other agents, you have access to the MLS and you'll have an early look at listings.

What about acquiring a few of them and then do a single portfolio loan on all of them together?

Bascially, we never even got inside - seller denied us access.