Newbie looking to get more educated

[Mark Kao]

currently I have 3 properties (I live in one) . The way I've done it has been pretty elementary.  When I've built up enough equity either by paying down the loan or the value has risen sufficiently I've done cash out refi's to buy properties whole while also trying to keep down the monthly payments and taking advantage of the tax deduction. I'd like to look at getting into something like a duplex or quad but where I live (Seattle) has made it an expensive proposition. How can I increase my purchasing abilities in a cost effective manner? 

[Dee Cole]

You have determine your objective. As of now you are going a conservative route by using mostly equity to purchase properties. This route is slower because you have to build up enough equity to buy a new property which takes time, but safer because you own more of each property that you buy. 

Try introducing more leverage into your strategy with creative financing methods if you can handle more risk. Educate yourself on the methods to minimize the risk. 

You could do things such as hard money front end, cash out refinance back end. In this way you keep the equity in your current properties locked in, and leverage OPM to enhance your portfolio. There are tons of methods out there than the traditional methods you are currently utilizing if you are up for it.