The lawyer sent me out a contract, but I haven't signed it yet.

So depending on the size of the organization and staffing will determine your response time.. 

Find many on MeetUp.comAnd call all the We Buy Houses signs you see in your area.

If so.... instead of buying the multi family for $100K..... see if you and the seller can come to an agreement where you buy the multi family for $150k on the premise that they will Warranty Deed (literally just sign over) the house to you.That’s what I did in Cleveland earlier this year with literally the same type of situation.

Once I have a contract signed I would really like to post an ad marketing the property with photos included.

And they signed lease, and moved in this April.

Hello Everyone, I just signed my first contract for a three unit and have started to prepare for the inspection. 

The seller signs a Purchase and Sales Ageement The buyer signs the Assignment contract.

And you cannot rely on what they tell you at the counter.. they just say whats possible.you have to determine if this is a administrative action.. or does it go to the planning commission ( ie get political)

This will help you determine whether these are the right markets for you and establish local connections at the same time!