How much leverage is too much?

[Mike B.]

Hello,

New BP member, just upgraded to Pro

Beginning my real estate adventure, wanting to do buy and hold strategy, looking at potential properties so far around 30-40k. 

I plan on using a HELOC for funding. As I'm just starting the cash flow analysis, I use the HELOC and it's rate calculate the debt service. I also add in all of the potential rehab costs (up to 15-20k rehab estimates), thus utilizing little or no of my own money, nearly completely leveraged.

When I do that, the cash flow on these properties become quite low and I’m likely needing to reduce my offered purchase price to make my requisite 100/mo cash flow. 

I could be putting more of my own personal money (and I somewhat have the ability).  

Should I put up more personal money, or should I leverage much as possible?

Thanks!