This is all in addition to of course driving the city and seeing what you see.On a more sophisticated level, the Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless (and his podcast) covers pretty well how to do a full market analysis.

I think working with a broker might be a more suitable fit in the future.

Someone uploaded an excel file that list the major components and life spans in the tools section that will give you a more accurate number. 

There never was a more beautiful thing in the buy and hold business.Hopefully your lease addresses non-performance, but even if it doesn't I would tell them to cut bait or fish.Moving forward, ALWAYS collect ALL move-in costs BEFORE signing the lease and taking the unit off the market. 

There are also several great networking groups including our Bridge Meetup for a more local KC centric community.

Given that you are a new investor, I would suggest a more moderate market in the B/C level range.

@Fili Aguirre a more efficient use of your time, and money, would be to take a week or two vacation there, and meet with people that you'll need to accomplish your goal.

Lessons to learn, things to fix on flip #2,  paying higher prices than a more experienced investor, etc...OP, The biggest networking event I know of is down in Stafford down 59, 3rd  Wednesday of each month.

Would it be better to wait to use a FHA on a more expensive property or one that is a triplex/fourplex?

We felt the hand written letter would be a more personal/less investor like approach.