My ideal first rental property is a multi-family property and I am leaning toward hiring a property manager versus self-managing.  

Also the tax generation for the communities does not push the communities to want storage units versus new homes / apartments etc.

Wondering if anyone has thoughts on doing this versus a cash out refi.

By comparison, here is a typical "work flow" for a cash offer versus a financed offer:Cash:Buyer and seller agree to termsClosing can take place in about a week, once title work is doneConventional:Buyer and seller agree to termsBuyer applies for mortgage (which requires a mountain of documents from the buyer - last three years tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, credit verification, letters of explanation, etc, etc)Lender orders appraisal - usually about a week to 10 days after the applications is received10-14 days later, appraisal comes back. 

I'm a recent college grad who's been learning about real estate for the past 5-6 months and I'm ready to take the next step and actually dive in and get hands on knowledge versus sitting on the sidelines only reading about it.I'm looking to invest in Multi Families (3 unit) within Essex County, NJ specifically Newark.

I'm a recent college grad who's been learning about real estate for the past 5-6 months and I'm ready to take the next step and actually dive in and get hands on knowledge versus sitting on the sidelines only reading about it.I'm looking to invest in Multi Families (3 unit) within Essex County, NJ specifically Newark.

I've considered moving towards a flat non-refundable fee versus SD but am still using SD because I believe it allows me to nab a higher quality tenant.

The Zillow algorithm doesn't take into account "ocean front" versus "across the street".  

So a brokerage firm has to sift through the crud of new agents to see who might be a rising star versus another dud that peters out after a few sales.The low transaction fees and higher splits are for SEASONED brokers and agents.

Then even though it was a buyer's agent, it seemed more like they were interested in being "neutral" when it came time to make an offer versus giving us good advice.