The 6–12 month roadmap (simple and doable)Months 1–3:• Build reserves• Research markets• Talk to 2–3 lenders• Learn the basics of analyzing multifamily dealsMonths 4–6:• Get preapproved• Start touring properties• Narrow down your market and price rangeMonths 6–12:• Make offers• Lock in financing• Close on your first property• Move into one unit, rent out the othersEvery month has a purpose, and none of it requires rushing.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy + tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

I understand that with smaller properties it’s harder to make the numbers work when hiring a full-time property manager and part-time maintenance person, so I’d like to focus on something that can sustain that setup.I’ve been speaking with a few lenders to get a better understanding of the available loan terms and leverage options, especially as I narrow down what kind of deal structure and financing terms will work best for me. 

Once you narrow that down, you can dive deeper into rental comps, tenant quality, and appreciation potential. 

That might help narrow the best move here.

This is a good place to start if RE experience is a top priority.Depending on what type of philanthropic goals you had would help to narrow in on what type of advisor or firm you would want to partner with.

Knowing the type(s) of properties you would actually pursue helps limit shiny objects as you narrow your focus.

A lot of investors moving here start by narrowing down their goals first:cash flow, appreciation, or a mix, because different parts of Atlanta lean in different directions.In general, some areas people often explore for rentals include parts of South Cobb (like Austell & Mableton), Douglasville, South Fulton, Decatur, and Stone Mountain.

@Matheus SouzaCleveland and Columbus are strong starter markets because prices are reasonable, rents stay consistent, and you can find cash-flowing duplexes in solid B and C class areas with steady tenant demand.

Asking questions helps learn about that field which can be used in the future and narrow down costs.