I always advise newbies to sit down a lender right away, in order to develop realistic goals.

I would not advise this for anyone who’s new to the multi family or commercial real estate.

Can someone advise on the options that I have or connect me with investors in the same boat.

If you can get away without earnest money bumps that's better too, but if the seller is advised properly they're likely to want to add increases in earnest money over time as you get in to your feasibility and have risked some of your pursuit costs.  

I personally like having a property manager handle things for me but everyone's style and situation is different.I'm not a financing expert so probably not the best person to get advise from. 

They advised me to tell the owner of the unit to file a claim on their insurance.

Does anyone have experience in this or can advise further? 

They have advised me to not mix money.

I since contacted a real estate attorney and has been advised that I can assert myself and enter the property if I have keys or get a locksmith. 

@Ty Kashmiry, also look at RentRange.If you feel comfortable analyzing properties unbiasedly, I would follow John's advise.