In addition, estate planning is helpful in case health issues arise - especially when the partnership extends over time. 

Are there any economic engines in the area.

Sure, but I'm not seeing the same economic indicators that I did in 2005 & 2006 that would lead me to believe that any upcoming correction will be as severe as it was the last time.

Do you folks look at economic data before making a decision or starting out?

Also I don't bank on property values going up there there are some economic factors that are keeping the prices low. 

It doesn’t matter what the buyer wants to do with the house, the value comes from the area and the economics behind that.Rental rates can affect what happens but it generally doesn’t lower or higher value.Think of it this way, you want to invest in an area but the gap rate is terrible.

Therefore, there is a high chance that you will not maximize your selling price.I appreciate that you like that renter, but you will have no economic interest in them, because you are selling the property.Last, it is common that a tenant gets nervous when their landlord is selling the building, leading some to vacate. 

If you want to work with Investors then, go to Zillow and see what agents/brokers have listings of duplexes and triplexes in whatever area you want to focus on and then see if you can hang your license with them.....they most likely will have some idea of how to market to buyers and sellers of investment properties.If your brokerage will let you.....have TWO sets of business cards made up....one business card that caters to buyers and you can have a simple slogan on it that says something like "Helping more buyers get into properties more economically than your average Realtor".   

I don't see achieving much in the way of the economics of scale until you start getting upwards of 20+ units in a single location.  

I love this site too.I agree the house hack with quadplex is a great way to start.Don't over extend yourself financially and/or hours per week.Buy smart in a way that numbers really make sense, even in a worst case scenario(known as a stress test), you will do good at any point in the economic cycle.