A classic was when the sellers were still packing several hours after closing and I was there with my buyer waiting and they had the nerve to ask if we minded if they took showers before driving off. 

Big complexes/companies won't tell you anything over the phone so I usually just drive to the complex with a form and the signed authorization to get rental information and the PM will just fill it out for me. 

I basically write up the repairs and send it to a couple different GC’s who are always good with my scopes in my area. 

I defined the market as whatever I can drive to within an hour.

I looked at a couple of houses in Honolulu that were basically tear downs and if I remember correctly, they were in the $1 million range.

This is basically what you need.

I basically figured I could reduce my dad's rent (he pays 45% less) and pay the overwhelming majority of the costs by renting out the other unit.

Basic question:I'm trying to get my ducks in a row with banking solutions.

I would be willing to drive out as far as Butte (some nice neighborhoods in Butte are very comparable to some multi-families in Great Falls) to do a showing for you. 

I know my local area though and those rules are the very basic first step to qualify a closer look.