Track everything you provide and review it regularly.  

So maybe I am on right track to start it out with flips, and further expand as you are suggesting.  

What do you recommend in keep track of multiple notes (contract for deed).

Once you have a solid track record they will start throwing money at you.

If you're in LA and looking to cut down on your overhead, you should consider leaving your firm and getting an entry-level sales associate position at Matthews.  

That was a great question @John Burtle, I'm getting ready to do the Hard Money for a project, I could go the conventional way but I wanted to do HM to start a track record with these lenders so at a future time they will know me...

Think it's best off for the sponsor to be establishing a solid proof of concept by having an established track record.

If its an occupied foreclosure where the bank "knows nothing" and there are "no interior inspections - do not disturb tenants", at least visually inspect the exterior for signs of deferred maintenance and look for signs of occupancy like an empty mailbox @7pm, lights on, car tracks in snow, prior to making your offer. 

If you have done any past deals, show them your track record and that will instantly build credibility.

Additionally, I've also been wondering, rather than using equity to purchase a multifamily, should I be using the equity in a method I've heard to pay down and fast track the payment on principal?