Or are you more interested in (and willing to) engage in more of a slower, relationship-oriented approach to negotiating? 

It got me so far and I was able to accumulate some MF assets using this approach.

Do you guys have any tips on how to proceed through the agent and structure our approach knowing she was widowed in dec 2020?

And how should I approach it with her?

Do you see any holes in that approach?

For duplexes, you have two approaches.

I can't speak to you about the New York market and what you can get for your money out there since I'm in Chicago but I do think $45K is a healthy amount saved up for your first multi-unit.

Guelph, London & WindsorBC - Victoria & ParksvilleI would like to hear about what do you guys think should be my approach and in what cities considering the amount I am planning to invest in is a tad bit smaller.

You have to approach as if you were just looking for homes in the area and develop a relationship.

Painting over wallpaper is a half measure approach and just leaves a problem for someone else.