No doubt..100% equity in a cashflow plan backed by physical structures or assets is hard to beat.  

The CCIM designation is a big plus but not required.

Start small and work your way up as you build comfort and confidence in your skills.Although not required, a real estate license can offer beneficial networking and educational possibilities for those who engage in real estate.

The problem is that the insurance company is requiring utility bills from 3 months prior to me owning the property to prove the home was adequately heated.

I also require renters insurance so they can get housing coverage  there. 

If your estate owns more than that amount, you are required to pay a 45% tax, which possibly could cost more than paying the capital gains to being with.

I think they require inspections after like 15(ish) units...

Most banks I’ve talked to require a 6 month seasonal period.

The loan will be a conventional investment loan that will require 20% down and about a 8.5% interest rate. 

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution as you mention, but I would be sure that this is something that you see as sustainable due to the substantial up-front investment that it requires from the outlay.