Each person is in a different stage of their investing career depending on your experience level, goals, resources, time, capital, etc.Can you clarify more what your goals are so we can be more specific with recommendations? 

Crystal Clear Criteria.

Without knowing your level of experience, it's hard to provide specific feedback but one thing I am assuming is you would like to create a long term relationship with this individual so you want to make sure you treat their money better than you'd treat your own.   

First learn what this is, and then develop it, with specific financial steps, with each step a prerequisite for the next, just like developing a college curriculum.All three must work together...at all times. 

I am not looking for $ amounts, but rather specific concerns to be focused on.  

As the title says, I would like to purchase a few (or a couple of larger) multifamily properties to cash-flow at least $10K per month (ideally $12K/mo.).The criteria are mainly:-B-class properties/locations (i.e. no "ghetto" properties)-Professionally managed by a reputable/trustworthy company (not fly-by-night operations)-Looking mainly in Texas DFW, San Antonio, Austin, Houston) & Wisconsin (Milwaukee and surrounding areas)What kind of investment would this require? 

I just did this in Texas for less than $100 and your mil and ail can both leave you their half on passing with no probate (may be state specific so do your own research).

And without looking at these specific emails you mentioned (and the amount that the lawyer billed you), it's hard to say if you got overbilled or not.

I have a feeling this is where you are at.Sometimes the Alderman's office or community group will want to see what you are "proposing" to build before you can get their support and actually get the Zoning Change approved; however, technically architectural drawings are not reuired (by the Zoning Board of Appeals) for the map amendment process.Feel free to contact me directly if you would like me to look into your specific property in more detail. 

The process is specific to the municipality you are in, from what I have read Seattle is not landlord friendly so if it were me I would hire an attorney who was experienced in the process.In Virginia the process is simple enough to do it yourself - and I have a few times.