We are in a very good position geographically and there are specific training that can only occur in our cold environment.As far as prices, it does vary widely--- There are some areas that are better than others but for me the rental market here makes a lot of sense.  

Selecting the cities, areas in the cities, and the streets in those areas is the key.  

Zillow and Loopnet are a waste of time by comparison.As I bonus, I'm an investor in 11 apt. complexes, so I can provide some actual MF expertise when it comes to property selection and due diligence.

If your common walls are 2x4, there will be negligible to 1" of "space" depending on the age of the wall:  If they are old enough, they may be true dimension 2x4s, where a 2x4 today is really only 3.5" wide.  

Here are a few recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Check out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/ If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select that person below.

We have a process and we involved our roommates in the selection process.  

@Carrie AlbertsonType @  and start to type  the name and a list will appear, scroll down to select the person you want.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

I have listed some helpful recommendations for you:Meet BiggerPockets member in your area:http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you:http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide:http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/Find upcoming real estate events: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happeningsForum and Blog rules: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rulesIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.