@Adam R.There are some investors that present offerings in a pure fund model, and would have more of the characteristics you're looking for.

From purely an investor's standpoint, is it better to go with a multi-family home outside of the city?

Who knows, you might come across a deal that works as a pure investment property, or you might find a deal so good it's worth breaking the lease.

This is often better, unless you enjoy property management.If your constraints are purely financial, aka you an qualify up to 6-12 units on your own.

You put a battery in them and there is a blinking light plus it comes with a sign stating that there are surveillance cameras.  

When I speak with my potential investors,  one of the questions I ask is whether the money they set aside to invest are purely allocated for investing after they have put some funds aside for a rainy day.

If it's purely a rental, plan on putting 25% down, and in general, 20% minimum down is usually best especially if your market prices are historically high. 

I understand I have options available to speed up the process, but I feel better starting with some cash instead of purely leveraged funds.

He purely mentioned he had a deal.

I was looking at battery backup pumps when a plumber introduced me to the water powered ones.