I've found a handful of properties but would like some additional suggestions with regards to what neighborhoods I should focus my efforts in.

Although the investor can report to the credit agencies, it is usually too much of an effort for a single loan.

Spend your effort vetting your lawyer, not trying ascertain short cuts.  

I would typically build a rough schedule highlighting major tasks with an estimated duration/start date.On a small project, maybe you can get away without one, but I think on anything over a month it's worth the time and effort.

However in an active market it might be well worth your effort to attempt it.  

Folks will rush to help you once they see you've made an effort on your part.4 - grow your know-how and watch your financial situation improve.5 - buy that multifamily rental6 - send me a Skype invite so we can party together.Best to you!

I highly recommend listening to the podcast, reading the blogs/forums and making a effort to be a part of this site.  

@Joshua MeyersDepending on total cost of investment, I too plan to go FHA, but in my case that saved money would go to repairs in an effort to raise value/rent of building.

If you want to own globally and have your properties managed, I would think it would be more beneficial to hire a management for multi-family units than to have management companies all over managing one house a piece for you.

It has not been easy and ALOT more work, stress, effort than I ever expected.