The trick is finding the right lender that will make low money down work in your situation, very few lenders specialize in multi family/owner occupied investment properties so most will push their basic loan options without getting creative.

This is a trick I've seen PMs pull on home owners all the time.

I like your point about business people will know tricks that I don't that can be applied to real estate.  

When it comes to using the VA loan there are some tips and tricks you can use to save money on the front end and even help you qualify you for a bigger loan that I learned over the years that I did not know when I used my VA loan. 

Another fun trick—I use Nixplay to display staged interior photos on a digital frame during showings.

If you are looking for tricks or shortcuts, you'll be disappointed.

Why did you get into that and are there any tips or tricks you utilize?

I found the trick is start out in a language odd's are they don't speak, the wife is fluent in Afrikaans so we use that, then with the language barrier ask "parlez-vous anglais" and like magic the French are normal decent people.

Furthermore, because the business owner surely materially participates in her or his business, you automatically have material participation in most cases.The one trick there though: You need to group when you buy the building.Great points!

Especially if you have so many properties, what are general tips and tricks you use that let's you take up the least amount of your time as possible?