I will be in the market for a small-multifamily myself at some point after the summer if my plans work out.

If this is your first time then I would work out a deal with your agent friend to negotiate for you.

I've seen some deals only work out because the listing agent was representing both sides - it made it naturally sweeter for them.

They knew the laws and that they could possibly get $19k each, but at the same time they didn't want to go through the court relocation process so we were able to work out a deal.  

Many complexes have pools and club houses, work out rooms etc...I do extremely well with all my rentals, and enjoy nice appreciation and I spend none of my time managing anything to do with the exteriors.

The remaining Tenants can't afford the rent so they either break the lease or rush to find a replacement and things go from bad to worse.In my experience, multiple friends do not work out.

You'll have to work out a flat fee arrangement that works for your broker and your marketplace.

Not nearly as catchty.Though if a workout isn't possible, foreclosing, rehabbing, renting it out and refinancing would be an obvious backup strategy.I have seen some posts on BP before about recapturing the initial investment by selling partials.

I think the problem is the work is too labor intensive for a company to scale if the area is not plowable.  

If so, how did the whole transaction work out for you?