(usually without local managers that "eat" my income).PM if you would like to get some tips on Out of country investing I will be happy to contribute.

(at least these are figures that I seen).Appraisals usually range from $500 to $1000 depending on the size of the house(at least from my experience).If they are really charging $3500 for a loan origination fee - I would shop around for a smaller bank and even some credit unions.

@John Hickey 6pm is hard for me I’m usually home later from the city.

This would provide more cash flow and mortgage support (usually)Your first time home buyer credit should cover most of your FHA requirements even on a 4 unit.Or maybe just buy bitcoin and wait six months so you have more money to play with

And the people doing stuff usually have private money lined up. 

Usually when someone offers these terms there is a boat load of risk......either an over leveraged deal or some sort of pipe dream.

There are other loan options out there besides FHA just as a heads up (5% and 10% down without having to pay the high "costs" associated with FHA loans).Each person has their own take, but if you are going in as an owner occupant I would personally advise trying to find not only a 2-4 unit, but a 2-4 unit with at least one current vacant unit so that everything can be a little bit more straightforward on the purchase.Also, if you do go the FHA route, the 2 unit one might be your sweet spot. 3-4 units have a self sufficiency test that doesn't usually pencil that easily in the Bay Area.

In Bridgeport, CT we usually use 10% as a property management figure, but I assume you were planning to manage this yourself?

Current rents: you can glean this information through online sources as well as old-school searching (walk-ins, calling the buildings)Talk to local brokers to get the inside scoopMarket analysisCheck to see if building is in a flood plainYou can ask for, but these items are usually provided after signing a contract: Leases for lease auditing against bank statements, tax returns and leases (usually not provided before a contract has been signed).Tenant payment historyViolations, delinquenciesLease addendum and/or other agreementsTax ReturnsBank StatementsUtility billsCan RUBS be implemented (some municipalities may not allow it)Service contractsReserve fundsEnvironmental assessmentEmployee recordsStructural issues including foundationEmployee historyOther value-add features that can be added include:Trash valetCar portsStorageDog parksTo be honest, a similar level of due diligence is required across multifamily and manufactured housing (mobile home parks).Best of luck!

That is why banks usually escrow for taxes.