We each brought something else to the table and our individual strengths built on the others weakness.  

Sure you might come across properties that have been sold recently or something, but going through every single property individually to look up that information seems like a colossal waste of time, instead of just paying $.10 cents for skip tracing.

In some cases, especially short term plays, that is true but for a long term play of 10 years plus, it is definitely quantifiable and profitable if you choose the right areas.The real question is, what are your individual goals and needs Rochelle?

How do individuals you don't know gain access to a set of keys they can copy or leave doors unlocked? 

The deal is almost in the purchase price.I used to work for institutional asset management and equities and alternative investments do have a place in your investment sphere but for me, real estate has been the only thing that allows me to "not work" when I don't want to.I do also take advantage of solo 401k which allow you to put 50k+ per individual tax deductible every year so I am still heavily invested in the market. 

The realtor was able to find out that all the units are individually metered for utilities and all utilities are paid by the tenants. 

The half dozen big time individual investors that I know in Los Angeles, also, own large management companies that can profit off of excess capacity by managing other owners(especially institutional owners) assets.I would not be surprised if most management companies also owned or were actively trying to acquire assets, too.But, if you are an insurance company or pension trust administrator, you would probably not want to be managing the day to day operations of multi-family even if it makes a great addition to the trust portfolio.It depends of the specific scenario of the owner/s

If not , make sure you have individual meters and the tenants pay all utilities including lawn care.

I did flips before and worked with contractors individually but this project is a total mess and a good learning so I am excited but nervous to find the right people for the job. 

How do you manage properties remotely if the need arises for an individual to physically go and see a tenant, say for example, they don't pay rent and stop taking your calls?