I have looked on Costar for individuals who have done 1031 Exchanges, peeped at alternative websites who act as either a brokerage or glorified listing service, called into my local networks, sifted through hedge fund managers, etc.  

Tenants pay electric and water (individually metered). 6 Units newly renovated and are rented for $475 each per month.

Was thinking about setting up a simple WordPress booking site, and I’ve downloaded a couple apps like Cozi (literally just downloaded it) and was thinking about setting up individual properties as “family members” etc but... love to hear what’s proven as easy and simple.

I have been doing some reading on a Self Direct IRA for which an individual can take their 401k funds and move to a Self Directed IRA in order to purchase an investment property. 

Sure individual markets could take a big hit (I'm looking at you Boston and SF), but I would be really surprised if the national averages took a hit like they did in 2008.

I briefly spoke to a lawyer that recommended we create an entity for each individual property, so if anyone can chime in on that.

The cash partners will get a preferred 8% return, then anything above 8% we split. 

Personally, I stay far away from seconds and generally advise others first getting into purchasing individual notes to do the same.

As far as buying 1 property with 3 unit vs buying 3 individual properties, it really comes down the the numbers.  

As a personal preference, getting the work done by a handyman/landscaper/professional is always a better choice.