It may not always work to find issues, especially when inspecting during the hot summer months.  

We purchased our first rental property last summer and so far it's been what we expect it to be.. the rent covered the monthly mortgage with $200 positive cash flow.

We celebrated by getting tickets for the Circus!

There is probably a shooting a summer within 3 blocks of me.

So you need to take into account the other "down" summer months in your vacancy numbers.  

The multiplexes sell for $140,000 to $250,000.The 4-plex I am looking at buying is $225,000 but needs about $30,000 in updates.The units currently rent for#1 - $720. very large 1 BR, 1st flr front,#2 - $550 winter, $500 summer (mows lawn) small 1 BR, 1st flr rear#3 - $595 roomy 1 BR, 2nd flr front#4 – $575 roomy 1 BR. 2nd flr rearI would like to start by living in the front units, and slowly covert the house to a single family while we lived there.

Hey BP,I am turning to Wholesaling because of a temporary defeat I faced with buying a property this summer.

Of course that would be less in the winter and more in the summer bc of heating. 

Moving to houston this summer to get into real estate.Any advice on how to find a niche to get into?

Plenty of tantrums and tough days.I'm currently in Montana and will be spending the rest of the summer in the Pac NW.