My go to is craigslist.org, I search weekly to see what  places are going for, similar to my unit and how long it stays on the market.Are your units in different areas or all in the same building?

Prior to, I hadn't had a car note in over 10yrs.

Showing another contractors bid to me is a waste of time unless you are asking for an apples to apples bid with pricing removed and assuming the risk of additional change orders should that bid I am being compared to is inaccurate.

But one specific question I can't find an answer to is; are there some business plan templates I can look through to better understand the structure so I can start with a strong foundation when I get my first multifamily rental??   

This seems to continue until the price they drop it to is a realistic price someone is willing to pay.

What you're referring to is called wholesaling, and it can work approximately as described.

There are a multitude of variables and even if you are comparing (what you think) is apples to apples; it's likely not going to be the same rate if you are in one state and the other property  you are comparing it to is in another state.

All them come done to is to add in all the possible costs and then you have the maximum you can pay.

Can anyone suggest to a book that they have read on the topic of purchasing subject to. I

This way i hope to eventually i can be in a position to run my business because i want to not becauser i have to...I really see a need for contractor shop space...