Are you responsible for any common area utilities?  

One of the requirements for a multi is that every living unit must have independent utility services or at a minimum 1. legal provisions ensure and protect access to utilities for repairs, even if passing through other living spaces, 2. easements or covenants protect water connections, and the VA approves of a maintenance agreement; 3. there are separate service shut-offs for each unit. 

Can you even afford $3,500 (mortgage, utilities, lawn care, etc.) during that time?

@Harrison CookYour post kindles lots of questions.In the "good old-days" most heating systems were vastly oversized for the building they were heating - energy was relatively cheap, insulation was non-existant to poor ... so it was easier and safer to {drastically} oversize.Today, while energy {in North America}  is still relatively cheap for the moment,  we have a much better understanding of how to make buildings more efficient {though you might not think so looking at the construction industry in the U.S.A. and Canada}  and there are often more cost-effective measures than simply replacing an old, over-sized heating plant with a new, over-sized heating plant.You really need to - or at lease should -  perform a heat load analysis to properly size your heating system, a component of which, is determining the rate of heat loss of the building envelope.  

So now they are looking for other ways to bring in revenue, hence the flipping industry, a highly profitable but risky venture.

ONLY postcards NO letters.No mailing list to buy, but no names or addresses on the postcard either.When the post office first came out with this, the list industry thought that this was the nail on the coffin after email.

This should save me money on my own future deals, while also helping me gain credibility within the industry and my local area as a serious real estate investor and deal maker.As for my professional background, I have been working as a freelance social media marketing strategist for 7+ years helping B2B companies generate and nurture high-quality leads on LinkedIn.

The industry is volatile and unpredictable, I count myself lucky to have made it this far, and don’t want to rely on this income in the future.

If you're looking looking to invest in larger commercial properties (multifamily, offices, industrial, etc) - personally or through a partnership/syndication - then you should be more concerned with the points raised by @Caleb Heimsoth.My article on choosing the right real estate market and avoiding the most common due diligence mistakes should help you get started. 

I have done extensive research regarding real estate and now finally ready to dive into the industry.