It has been often suggested here and elsewhere to pursue something that keeps a toe in the water of the working world, as it limits the downside risks, and could turn into a fruitful enterprise for post-retirement.At the request of a friend and BP associate, I've been asked to provide expert opinion and electrical analysis on residential properties that are either on the market, or recently sold through his brokerage, as there are many customers who want a deeper look at their electrical system, deeper than what a typical home inspector will do, but they are not ready to ask a contractor to come out and simply give a blank check to 'fix whatever's wrong' (famous last words).

Knowing exactly where you want to go will help you determine what steps you should take now and what strategy to follow.

Welcome @Zach Ogle, sounds like you are doing pretty well with taking all the right steps.

Any recommendations on steps to proceed?

It just seems that for the kind of strategy I'm trying to pursue starting out (buy and hold multi family) there seems to be a lot more inventory out there.

In my opinion, the logical stepping stone from single family rentals is to move to a small multi family property (2-4 units).

I have no idea what steps i need to take or if i qualify for a loan that big. 

I have no idea what steps i need to take or if i qualify for a loan that big.

What is the next step / who should I contact about this?

I feel I learned a lot, and know some things to look out for, but I'm curious if you pros would have pursued as far as I did or would have clued into the shady nature sooner.I'm working with an investor buyer who found me through BP.