There are also bankruptcy records, credit reports, probate records, mortgage assignments, etc.

This would be a great way to build a track record, build your own portfolio, and learn. 

In the resume they are wanting to know more about your experience, credibility, team, education, track record, and anything you have accomplished that will give them comfort in working with you. 

But during escrow, the most important thing are the rent rolls any sort of profit and loss records the seller has.

PM lenders will probably ask for a track record so you'll probably need to go with Hard money even though it's more expensive. 

Unlikely anyone is handing you any money to invest if you don't even know the terms and have no experience or track record...

Should I check to determine if they have tax liens; then send letters to the owners on record, indicating I would like to purchase? 

As a beginner, if I am going into something there needs to be a track record of good customer service and established history of returns. 

Hey BP As a new investor looking to operate my own multifamily deals, which is the better path to gaining experience and track record, doing my own small multifamily deals (5-10 unit deals)?

For instance, I did a parcel split recently in Pinellas County that took about one month to get ready submit to the county appraiser's office, one week to get approved (incredibly fast and smooth because all the necessary prep work and staff discussions were done in advance), and then one more month to be fully updated and reflected in county records; the approval noted the parcels resulting from the split met the minimum zoning requirements and could be considered buildable parcels, and imposed a restriction that any subsequent splits would require full subdivision site plan and platting.