We don't want to sell its been in family for generations. 

And I am also happy to discuss my experience in the area on valuing small/medium multi-family properties, and running short-term rentals in the Phoenix area.

Do they have a FB page with their dogs and say they don't have pets. is it all about partying.     

Also find out if they have a move out list for you to check and what the expectations are (ie I expect any carpet to be professionally cleaned and want a receipt, over is cleaned, if you had a pet any poop in the yard to be picked up, etc).  

Hello Every,I am currently in the process of buying a property and was told by the selling agent that the current tenant has violated their current lease by having pets and not putting down a deposit.

Others may have a different opinion, but outside of a seller carry back up to 90% CLTV (still require some skin in the game, unless you go true hard money) 2nd liens on real estate for purchase transactions in the manner you're seeking are very difficult to get a loan against, whether it be a secondary market lender (private equity fund, balance sheet lender, family office, etc), and usually are seeking larger transcations ($1-3MM +) in this space, and are still capped at a max 75-80% CLTV (still wanting skin in the game).# 4 usually requires more explanation as its newer to the market (DM me if interested in discussing these options further), but all 1-4 appear to be potential options for you based on the limited details. 

Literally got into RE while at a family BBQ about 15 years ago.

Currently have a single family with apartment in basement I’m buying with shared utilities 

Pull any ol small-multi-family properties off of Zillow and chug away. 

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.