Depending on what city you are in, I suggest house hacking your first property.

The average discount to net asset value is 36% (THEORETICALLY) I paid 64C for each $1.00 of assets); the average LTV utilized by the REITs I invested in is 30% (REITs with LTV above 50% are “suspect”) and my dividend yield on the total portfolio is just over 7%.  

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: curious what is the asset catagory that you invested in ??  

I’m having it serviced by US loan in Nevada and 8 months in I get check like clockwork.

All-in, I lost 1 month of rent + the 1 month cost to the property manager.What's the best way to try and minimize my loss this time around?

I want this property because its in a town with a good CIP, taxes at the location are not bad, and with a 6% interest rate (which is hard to find in the state I'm in) I would be able to pay 100% of my expenses (mortgage, insurance, taxes) with just those two residential units at their current rent price, leaving the commercial unit grossing right into my pocket.

@Johnery Laurimore two things will help provide you with the best response. 1) What state do you file taxes in? 

Welcome to Bigger Pockets @Mark NewtonStarting with a small multifamily you can live in is one of the best ways to get your started, build equity, and learn how to manage tenants.The first deal will teach you more than anything else, and once you get through that, scaling becomes a lot more straightforward.

After narrowing down the city, I then had to consider what neighborhood should I invest in.

@Lee Banks New York is an expensive city to live in - is this by choice or for work?