When you have a property that is legal is valued 5-8% higher and will always sell quicker. 

In an inflationary environment, the quicker you receive cash the more valuable it is.

Buying turnkey also allows you to buy quicker in more markets than trying to figure out just one.Happy to talk turnkeys anytime if you have questions on them or if there's anything else I can help with.

The real question is, on which direction will I be able to raise rents quicker.  

I prefer the larger units, the cash flow comes quicker.

Private money specifically would be better than hard money as it tends to have lower interest rates and quicker closes relative to bigger "Hard Money Lenders" -Hedge Funds are just groups of investors in charge of delivery returns for their clients based on the money given to them by their clients.

For the reasons mentioned , cheaper and quicker access to your own equity to fund more properties.

I believe that having a license will allow me to act quicker on deals within my market. 

Payoff your mortgage quicker?

I hope you reach your goals even quicker than you expect.