Parents involved in real estate, browsing bigger pockets..Contrary to what other more risk-averse investors might tell you, I think you should start with a 4 unit. I

Then it would depend on the type of property meaning a positive geared or negative Geared property and last but not least and the most in important it depends on what your goals are and what is the strategy that you’re using to achieve those goals

If you don't want to move forward, there's no shame in honorably stepping away and moving on to something else.This week's podcast leaves no one with any excuse that they can't achieve something in real estate.If you haven't listened to it yet, or watched it on YouTube, you should.

I.e. if current cap rates for a given property class is 6%, you should use 7% or more for exit.Subtract immediate repairs ($5000/unit is a good start but you need an estimate from a contractor) from the future value.Subtract anticipated capital gain (e.g. 20%) from the future value.Subtract your closing costsThe result is your highest offer.

Being prepared in advance, both by understanding the impact of the tax on your returns and the administrative requirements that will come into plan is important.The bottom line is that your IRA is getting to use leverage, and will achieve a higher cash-on-cash return as a result. 

Think about what your life looks like after all this plays out and you achieve your goals investing.

I'm not sure how they achieve it, but it seems to be working for them long term

I remember years back on this forum when if you pointed out the reality of what is required to achieve RE success you where accused of "killing someone's dream".  

Buywith purpose buy with strategy and buy to achieve your goal

And of course, if your three unit is a three-bedroom or caters to college students who don't combine their laundry for washing, that coin box is going to fill faster.