If the price point is feasible I'd advise to do your first flip locally that way you can build systems and processes and gain the experience of doing a flip while being able to monitor close by.

It also helps if you start to keep everything the same(flooring choice, paint agreeable grey, fixtures, vanities) the more that you can systemize the better every step of the way will be.

I'm already looking into CHOICE and SONYMA loans

The closing costs and fees seem very high.

Finally closed on the 4-plex and been property managing for the past 2 months.

They indeed got a response-rate of close to 50%.

Assuming also that when you closed you paid the lenders a draw fee perhaps? 

My wife and I are close to being under contract on a single family home with a MIL suite.

Account Closed good content.

The City of Berkeley is getting close to passing a new "demolition" ordinance that prohibits the removal of JADUs ADUs and even illegally constructed units, except under really specific circumstances.