I'd like to get in this as quickly as possible, but I'd at least like to minimize my risk (I know I'll make plenty of other mistakes).

If the PM is trying to minimize the owners expenses, he would let those issues slide in order to make more profit in the short run. 

My initial investment (cash) will be $60-100k, and my own idea was to search for areas with properties that could sustain a minimum 10% ROI and are cash-flow positive, where the risk is minimized.

The listing agent is just as much in the dark as the buyers agent.

Pay a minimal monthly amount on my current mortgage and save for the large down payment of my next property. 2.

Multifamily syndication will require a good amount of initial due diligence on the sponsor, but very minimal time/effort once you've made your decision.50k / year will require 5 Million in equity earning 10% (if we're being ultra-conservative here).

We try to keep our rentals (that we refurb ourselves) to within 30 minutes to minimize commuting time.

Keep in mind that AAA tenant properties trade at significantly higher prices due to their credit standing and the chance of default on a lease is minimal. 

We put this language in the lease agreement (minimal smoking on the porch with doors closed).  

If the extra interest is minimal and helps you obtain your 2-4 unit goal quicker then i would just take the 30K.