Cash Flowing Properties w/ PMI and 97% LTV

[Andrew Clark]

Hello Everyone,

I am graduating from my master's program this week, and I am ecstatic to finally be making a decent income so that lenders will lend to me! Now, I am looking to buy a 4 bedroom SFH as an owner occupant with a 97% LTV, and to live with 3 roommates to help cover costs.

My criteria is to look for a property that will cash flow once I decide to move out after a year, but it has been next to impossible to find something that cash flows while paying mortgage insurance, and at 97% LTV.

As everyone knows, real estate investing pays you in many ways, so should I stop worrying about the immediate cash flow and instead pay attention to other benefits that real estate provides? For example, I noticed principal pay down is substantially more impactful on returns if leveraged (which I will be). What metrics would you pay attention to, and how would you go about it if you were in my shoes?

Thanks :)