I lead a team of analysts and work very closely with my executive leadership to ensure the growth of my company.

If the property does need work and you are able to refi 70% ltv I will suggest partnering up with someone experienced and getting a hard money lender for this process. 

I would say continue to network and grow a team. if you have the capital for down payment and the income for a multifamily in your area then go for it.

I would like to know, what advice would any experienced investor give to a first timer?

Ask a few experienced real estate investors in your area for referrals through your local real estate investment club.

Experienced landlords will tell you that a lot of applicants have sob stories like this and usually when you make exceptions like those being asked of you in this case, you end up regretting it in the end. 

My question in this post is NOT whether or not one will happen, but rather about what those of us who began our REI journey AFTER the crash can learn from those who experienced it firsthand.So my question is directed to those in the BP community who were involved in real estate during the dark days of 2007-2009.  

Since then, I've started assembling my team.

Not sure if you've ever found what you were looking for or not but one thing i'd like to note for you & any other investors who may be reading this is yes, a strong PM team & Agent are very important but nobody is magic.

I am currently looking in the Midwest and have semi pieced together a team out there.