The main challenge was that there was considerable deferred maintenance.

This is probably a silly question but if anyone could explain to me what the purpose of scaling single family homes for 2-3 years before purchasing my first multi family that would be greatly appreciated. 

Now what would make you think someone here wouldn't be doing their due diligenceAgain this is also a platform for new investors so there will be questions along the wayYou should consider developing an understanding for the purpose of a legitimate forum

That said, my main question is, can you recommend a good mortgage brokerage company that offers all the training points you outlined in your post?

We’re moving into the ADU ourselves starting in January so we can remodel our main home.

Today's Americans want to live on Sunset Strip and pay Main Street USA prices.

.)- Average days on market- Absorption rate- Historical data on rents and sale prices in the area- Population growth- Main economic drivers (industries, individual companies, etc.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events). 

This has to do mainly with the timing of property tax payments for your own home (not for your investment properties) and your charitable donations.

The property has 7 acres with a 3/2 main house and a second separate 2/1 house (which also needs renovation) with its own drive.  

Yes I do understand a majority of people don't think its a good strategy mainly because of the turnover, the risk, the lack of equity.