The amount of work to list and sell a house in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country was pretty low.That said, there is a TON of work involved in selling a home - and having clients that were friends didn't really make it easier.Discounting by .5% doesn't seem like you're giving a huge discount - $2,500 on a $500,000 price.

Try to get involved with local groups and find a mentor. 

I'm mainly curious to get involved with multi-family properties (ideally one that I could live in) and need some advice on jumping in.

I came across an article involving the website and I gained so much knowledge in such little time and wanted to become more involved in the community of "BiggerPockets, Inc." 

That's when your management company has to get involved and pretty much make the other party pay or have to kick them out.

We're a little fearful of pulling the trigger until we know more, but I had an idea that might ease us into the rental game.The idea that came to me recently involves my in-laws.

I'd be more than happy to talk more about my experiences, good and bad, representing investors (or at least trying to), costs involved etc.  

A trust typically involves transferring assets into a new legal entity.

At the time when I bought that house, I was not involved in real estate investing; in fact it was my first house.  

Find a local REI (Real Estate Investors Club) in your area and get involved.