Some are relatively relaxed while others enjoy the power trip.

@Tony Zhang I’m in the same boat where are you located in?

Hello Hannah, we are in the same boat, new to RE and investing, CA is a touch market have been looking for 1 year and haven't found anything that was worth investing in.

My wife and I would love to buy something soon and we will need to secure financing to do that, so I'm working with a family friend to figure out what that would look like and what buying power that would give it.  

WA, central (sunny side) LOLPros- No state income tax, low property taxes (1% ish), cheap power, no floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or humidity, low crime, good appreciation, good job growth and per capita income. 

I know its not popular with realtors but technology is changing the game and giving the buyer and seller more power when it comes to real estate.

Sites like Buildium / Appfolio are great and powerful, however they start at about $50 per month. 

I would connect with a lender early on to bring clarity to your financial position, buying power, and deal criteria. 

With larger multifamily you will have more systems in place and more negotiating power.

That's a powerful incentive - family getaways, walking the beach when there's no crowd, restaurants with no crowd, seats at the bar.