Investment property buying & funding

[Matt Hawks]

Hi all, 

Im looking for some guidance, I'm ready to start thinking about buying multi families and/or multi-unit industrial space properties ideally. I am self employed so every year is different with income but never an issue. I have no personal debt aside from my personal home.  I look at the numbers on these properties with 20% down to make a low margin profit and just can't wrap my head around dropping 70k on a 350k rental to get a return of about $800/month before any maintenance costs. Am I missing something or is this standard? seems like the play is very long term and you make your money when you sell, Id like to see my cash back in 3-5 years not 7-8.  Am I missing something?

The funding seems to be based solely on DTI , I've talked with lenders and it seems like its difficult to purchase a multi family property that is vacant or no lease in place because of DTI (counts against you if its not already leased?) that's what I was told. any input ?