Most come out ahead over an extended period of time by buying better quality assets where they perhaps have to leave some capital in the property but find themselves able to sell for real gains or refinance out appreciated equity and scale more effectively that way. 

Simplifying to a single operational entity (Series LLC) for rentals and management can effectively meet your goals while minimizing costs.

Depending on your level or preference of analysis, data and their providers are incredibly important and difficult to obtain when it comes to real estate underwriting.

Any tips on targeted marketing, effective lead generation, or even some "outside-the-box" tactics?

Start small, network with other investors, and use tools like BiggerPockets calculators to analyze deals effectively.

Hi Shawn-Congratulations on starting out on your real estate investing career.You have a question about whether it is good to have your real estate license or not as an investor and you are leaning toward multifamily investing.I personally think having your real estate license is helpful as an investor.Having your real estate license allows you to work with other investors to help them build their portfolios which helps expand your network while being productive, you can research market value more effectively, find out about deals before they are listed, and of course it allows you to collect the commission on purchasing any listed property.To Your Success!

How to set up in 2025 is incredibly difficult.

Georgia, a state not mentioned, offers a 20% penalty so if the encumbered deed is redeemed after 1st month your effective rate of return is 240%!

., making the real estate there incredibly desirable.

Yep for one especially in the early stages a hard credit pull would not be useful, just have them do soft checks for the time being and opt out of credit solicitation: www.optoutprescreen.com I could be biased... that said typically working with one lender than can help regardless of where you're looking and having a relationship with that will provide the easiest and most cost effective route long term.