As long as you promote your properties for rent on the main channels, such as Zillow(One of the best, as it crawls quite a few sources), AZ Republic/AZ Central (Heavily read by many PHX residents), East Valley Tribune, Craigslist (inferior, due to scamming and lack of reach, but still works and free), etc, you will generate a lot of interest.

A straightforward way to structure this would be to have a multimember LLC with 2 types of ownership via common units (LP) and management units (GP).

Looks like you're in a common position. 

As a result, there is a common theme of real estate vs. 401k that pops up quite often.

But I'm just trying to figure out how different factors play into each other and how to come up with common metrics, and learning what to look for to determine what a "good deal" means to me.

A closing 4 days after end of inspection,  is not common.

This is a common theme....so many cities and permanent residents hate STR. 

The common problem here is recent comps in the area.

This is a common beginner mistake. 

Hello,I just closed on a multi family property and the old owners told me they would not supply any appliances.They let the tenants know that the existing oven, refrigerator and washer were able to be used by the tenant, but would not be serviced or replaced.Is this a common practice?