This is basically math as it applies to REI. 

I’ve read several real estate books, understand the basics (NOI, DSCR, cash flow vs appreciation), and my goal is to start building long-term financial freedom through buy-and-hold real estate — ideally small multifamily (2–4 units).Given SF prices, I know investing out of state is basically required, and I’m totally open to that.

I could send you a handful of articles that would give you the basics and you'd be fine.I have 14-doors in Detroit and 3 of them I've placed S8 tenants in.

"Would you say that looking back, going through the legwork of establishing a Reg D entity was worthwhile for you on that deal in comparison to just establishing a basic LLC structure with multiple members?"

(I’m still trying to understand the basics!) 

Many independent agents have access to ReInsurePro which is basically NREIG for agents - plus many other programs. 

The Regulations contain an "anti-abuse rule" which basically prohibits breaking into multiple invoices "a single unit of tangible property."

@David V Flores, I'm guessing many people will tell you to get quotes and that may not be a bad idea for something this large but I'll give you another basic method to "estimate":1.

Since I’ll be house hacking I can learn some of the basic skills and rehab my unit.

Timeline on a basic turnover is typically 2-3 weeks.