-proof of weight, size, and breed.

Local investor meetups and an agent who has experience working with investors are worth their weight in gold.2.

...I think it depends entirely on the cashflow vs. expenses; if a person has 20k/mo cashflow, and their expenses are only 3k/mo, I wouldn't personally view it as particularly "risky" for them to live off their cashflow...On the other hand, building new construction in the midst of a rapidly changing market--now that's risky!

Our biggest hold up is honestly the lending aspect, just unsure which route will be the best and smartest to get us from point A to point B the quickest with the most money in our pockets.I know there are ways to grow a portfolio rapidly, especially when so many are trying to get out of the game/ take a break from buying. 

Why do you want to own a fourplex with 4 partners for instance, the hassle, ego, and everyone pulling the same weight will be more work than the property is.

Investors are buying the commercial buildings very rapidly and the prices of commercial RE in Homestead have nearly doubled in the past year.

I know a few sponsors in Grand Rapids who are actively looking to raise money, I'd be happy to refer you their way if you're interested.Hope this helps!

The appraiser will use both comp and income approaches and will subjectively weight the results as he/she feels is reasonable.

Them suggesting to be a good neighbor and create a designated smoking space might carry some weight since they might not want to come under increased scrutiny from the municipality. 

For those younger and can wait out the "bad times," I would suggest putting more weight on appreciation.