I would have them clarify why, but know the insurance is something you shop for (and can shop for for the life of the loan) and taxes vary property to property. 

I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life and transition from the transportation industry to the real estate industry.  

Any advice is greatly appreciated.David,Here's what I do for my multi-family buyers:Yes it is hard to estimate for maintenance because of a lot of variablesBut I know its expense is less for more units, for things like 16+ unit buildings, onsite maintenance room for storage materials, onsite employees use less hours to do work ordersSome entities even volunteer their residents to pick up grounds, hence minimizing your maintenance costsIf hdsupply.com accepts your account they specialize in multi-family buildings and you don't have to use man power for delivery or pickups And yes, you can do analysis paralysis but it might help you the bank's formula DCRThe 1031 buyers look at expenses differently Yes there's a number per door, e.g. if the units have been neglected you will spend at least one month's rent in turn ready unit expense    An organized well lubricated team should turn ready units in 2-3 daysPay close attention to the human factor, i.e. low self-esteem employees who will take longer to turn ready units or do work orders with poorly workmanship, theft, etc In capital expenses, concentrate in a few and more expensive to start with, AC, plumbing, electrical

We are getting to the point in our life where we need to give our "retirement fund" a real shot in the arm if I am ever to retire. 

If something goes sideways in my life I want to be able to sell for a profit the same day I bought the property.

I lived in several area's in the Netherlands in different stages of life.

Ive reached a point in my life where Ive realized a dependancy on a traditional income is not the route I would like to take.The more I study real estate the more intrigued I become.

I'm also interested in buying an old property to fix up a little, since I love the idea of being able to give new life to something old.

At times I wonder if, since entering adult life, my competitive spirit has died. 

@Patrick Plummer in a former life I practiced in US Tax court, I strongly suggest if you qualify for the solo 401k go that route, and roll your ira into the solo 401k it is much more flexible in real estate transactions, and the compliance cost and reporting requirements are much less.