My aspiration for my first property is to purchase a 4-plex and reside in one of the units for a year, while also managing the property myself.

Also, how to I explain it when I'm buying 4 plex.

I'm looking for duplex or 4 plex after refinancing my current property. 

I have asked for 25 business days from delivery of all docs on a five 4-plex project and the seller won't accept anything under 15.  

One of my fellow co-workers just got a four plex a couple months ago that came from one.

Instead of a 4-plex, start thinking just a little differently.My biggest success over the years came from buying GROUPS (5-8 houses) of older homes on a single parcel, in older, blue collar parts of town (not slums).

I started working in property management in the SF Bay Area back in 2002, and shortly after I left in 2005 I purchased my very first property, a 4-plex in Campbell, CA with my family.

@Chris FennimoreCongrats on your progress.I live in CO but I'm under contract to purchase a 4-plex in Albuquerque.

I have switched gears to what I hope are nicer neighborhoods and possibly duplexes or 4 plexes but not sure the price range yet.

@David Faulkner  guilty as charged... bought 3.5 acres in Rohnert park in 1995.. it was unbuildable but it was right behind a HOme depot and had a freeway interchange within 500 yards.. just brought into the city limits and zone mixed use resi.and the Graton casino is right across the street largest Casino in N CA.. they paid for the improvments of the road brought sewer water etc.looks like we will be developing this piece in 17 to 18' ..