The main reason I am trying to become a broker is because I am looking for a fulfilling career where I can help people, build something and do not have to sit at a computer screen doing mindless tasks for 8 hours a day. 

Can these interior cracks be fixed with some drywall compound, a fine-grit sanding sponge, and some sweat equity, OR are these a symptom of larger structural issues?

At the same time I would not discourage you from looking in CA, but you need to put together a larger war chest.Best of luck to you!

On a 200,000 loan (for example) 3% PI payment is 843.21 (30yr loan) and a 2.50% PI payment is $790.24.Your loan amount must be larger in order to reduce your payment if the rate is only going down 50bps.

For Duplexes and larger units, I tend to recommend starting out with a mail piece that is professional, yet personalized.

Looking at my first property larger than 4 units, but finding it very difficult to cashflow with a commercial mortgage set-up. 

Certainly real estate syndication can be a great way to share risk, pool equity and acquire larger assets but as @Jay Hinrichs noted if you chose that path you enter into a new world of regulatory scrutiny.  We have put together syndications to buy multi-family assets and have also participated in syndications sponsored by other investors as a passive investor.

I applaud all of you who have been able to get into REI as a single or couple, but would love to hear from anyone with a larger family and how you've done it.

If you go to the website of many of the larger private/hard money lenders, which you can find through Scotsman Guide, you’ll often see a link to become an “Affiliate.”

I don't run into this exact issue on my larger buildings as we have to contract with private garbage services in the Chicago area.