I recently got a small loan to get a head start on my credit since I have no credit history.

How valuable is shopping around and reaching out to small credit unions for multi-family out of state purchases?

I am thinking that it can be used by a small medical practice, veterinary, dental. etc. 

The issue with this is that the back door opens into the small kitchen and an undefined dining/family room.

Well, I would like to start with a low invest property buy and hold.  I don't want to dive deep but want to start slow.  I have been looking at 1 bedroom apartment for $30,000 that would only require around $5000 for ...

If that doesnt keep me busy enough, i own a small town liquor store. 

I do know that lending can be complicated with a sponsor and a less experienced person on the deal, but I know a good lender to go through, so I am confident that it will be possible to overcome that obstacle.In addition, this is a relatively small deal.

I'm working with the owner of an almost 100 year old small (<900 sq. ft) craftsman bungalow with small rooms typical of a home of this vintage.

First glance on your new condo loan says you're lucky to have anyone funding loans that are so small. 

I know that I would like to do multifamily investments, and think that the best niche to begin targeting would be small multifamily properties (4-16 units).