It does add a level of complexity but once setup, it just works.

I did a curb appeal mockup for you (but I think it's more than curb appeal), If you have for instance a proper class C apartment complex competing with you, the layout will be more home-like vs. this house cut into two parts with less than desirable floor plans.People don't pay Cadillac prices for a Pinto, but a fixed up Pinto will bring more than one with dents in it.On the plus side, it's clean, the neighborhood looks great, I like the backyard as a feature, I like the garage as a feature, I like the "STORM Cellar" as a feature re Tornadoes which apartments do not have, and it looks like at least one unit is ready for washer and dryer inside the unit, which apartments sometimes do not have.You may have to do more to the interior to close renters on the place if you can't do it as is (spend $$$).Here's a curb appeal mockup, I just chose a paint color at random, but white might work better in the neighborhood.I doubt just curb appeal will make it the most desirable rental in the area though, but it's some food for thought.I like this house, it has potential.Right click open in a new tab makes it bigger. 

I was able to save money by collecting rent from my friend rather than have to pay rent to an apartment complex.

I personally LOVE Syndications because of the experts I get to invest alongside while THEY do all the heavy lifting.However, direct ownership of rental property can be a boon, too, and is not nearly as complex as you may think. 

I am putting 100k down on a 12 unit (20%). After this I know I cannot leverage that with a bank but what kind of terms do you believe I could get with a private investor if I essentially would like to repeat the same ...

Its not too complex, but not trivial, either.

It is a well known, centrally located, desirable complex.

While they are suitable for investors with little to no experience, they can still be highly profitable when managed correctly.Starting in a beginner-friendly investing niche is a great way to learn the ropes before taking on more complex investments.

Look no further than the burgeoning landscape of medium-term rentals in and around Modesto to discover viable returns.The real estate climate in this region has been witnessing a remarkable surge in medium-term rentals, offering a sweet spot between the high turnover of short-term rentals and the complexities of long-term leasing.

Remember that one example somebody provided on here awhile back that was an overly complex deal structure where a bunch of people made money off the transaction, when it was basically just a simple flip made ridiculously complicated and less profitable with a bunch of extra fingers from “the community” in the cookie jar?