They are both positive steps, but house hacking is an amazing tool to get started.

I'd recommend using the networking tools here on BP.Welcome aboard and best of luck investing!

I need a tool kit or something. 4.

Can anyone recommend a good data visualization tool for population, job growth, etc.?

I always recommend it to anyone who's good with their money, it's been an awesome tool for us. 

I detest the ESA law because it essentially wrests control of property management from the owners.

Theres a rental property tool on Bigger Pockets you can use that will help you find out what the cap rate and ROI (return on investment) is.

Now that you have new tenants, make sure they fill out a statement of condition for the apartment/inventory list (essentially to document the status of the apartment before living in it).

That is, if you survive the possibility of being shot, robbed, stabbed, having tools being stolen by either the neighborhood folks or your tenants.

Ok so here is the meat and potatoes: Multifamily is a fantastic tool for building wealth, it’s easier to manage and believe it or not people are flipping multifamily left and right currently!