How long are you planning to hold this property?

Longer vs shorter occupancy (e.g. if you have planned work). 

If you are serious about investing in other markets, I would absolutely plan a couple of trips that coincide with local meetups/REIA events for each market. 

Thank you so much for the Response Alecia, I think it is important to add that i can use an FHA loan to get this home and do PLAN on living in one of the units since i still live at home as of now.This was great advice, i appreciate your time

It is amazing what ideas people are coming up with regarding their plans for real estate in Ohio. 

I'm currently exploring opportunities in both the Southern California and mid-east markets.Another consideration on my radar is the prospect of "Owner Occupying" my inaugural multifamily home in San Diego, with plans to expand my portfolio from there.I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those with experience in the field.

I had no problem with that appraisal either.A few of the appraisers with whom I've met have requested the very documentation I am providing, and they have always requested it be provided at the appraisal, not the first time I speak with them.I do agree with Real Estate though, that if you plan to follow the advice of J Scott's original post, you MUST arrange your schedule around the appraiser.

He and his wife hold it in a revocable trust with plans for the asset to be distributed to his adult children.  

You'll find some heavy hesitation on most lenders if it hasn't been planned/permitted because of the delays that those things are prone to have.

. #3) Capital planning/strategy For maximum efficiency you should have at least a rough idea of the phases of deploying capital.