Look at the price range for multi families and make sure you have the capital to reach it plus reserves.

I know all I need is to get my first multi-unit and the rest will follow but it is so hard to save cash.

AND THEN anything is left - THAT is your net profit.Analyze a few multi-family or commercial deal and see where the line items fall. 

My concern with multi unit properties is the quality of tenant, that and cash flow on any properties in our area is very hard to come by.

We have a software system that tracks payments from tenants, payments for repairs and payments to owners accordingly.

I learned during the last down turn that investing in SFHs was a much higher risk than multi units.

The old land owner had to be tracked down in FL (thankfully she was still above ground) and an affidavit of severance sent to her.

For multi-member, work with an attorney. 

Properties in the lower cost areas may look better on paper but once you factor in vacancy, true turn over costs, and cap ex, things don't look as good.I have been in a few nice multi-family properties in oildale but most are pretty rough and have major issues with deferred maintenance. 

I want the passive income of rental properties, and I love the idea of multi-family units.