This will translate into your razor sharp ability to analyze the deals you're looking into.

I'd like the ability to make cash offers to motivated sellers that can close quickly. 

They're not going to let You put the property under contract if You can't show the ability to buy.

So my brother and I are partnering on a rental property, his contribution is his ability to qualify for a great loan (5%down 30yr fix @ 3.75).

I'm really appreciating the ability to get feedback from experienced investors.

Likewise, if you know someone who has the ability to take money form their IRA and loan it to you...you can then use it to purchase your multi-family unit.

I am looking for tips and suggestions how to effectively start this process and what key elements should I look for during this process.

It could be more of an issue on commercial assets where we will see interest rate adjustments with out the ability to have fixed rates, but if your not over leveraged, you should be able to compensate for that in 3, 5 7 or 10 years when your rate adjusts.

I'm confident in my ability to do comps, when decent comps exist.  

Your landlord sounds like a pile of trouble.Sounds like they want their money and the ability to kick you to the curb anytime they want by denying you the ability to prove you are a paying tenant and not just a house guest who won't leave their house.Let me guess,they want to be paid only in cash or cashiers/travelers checks,right?