More money down or keep more in the bank?

[Samuel Merrick]

I'm closing on my second deal in the coming weeks on a buy-and hold-single family house that I plan to house hack. I'm still waiting for my appraisal to come back which in large part will dictate how much money I'm putting towards the down payment and the appraisal gap coverage. The threshold in which the math works for me and my strategy is fairly wide, but ultimately I'm trying to decide how much to put down....

A) 15% (aprox 60k- have close to zero cash flow but have 20k more in the bank )

v.s.

B) 20% (aprox 80k - $200 of monthly cashflow but have 20k less in the bank)

I love the idea of having more cash on-hand for any big expenses that come up and/or also as a nice chunk to get started on my next investment. And perhaps in a few years when rates drop a bit, I can always refinance bringing down my payment.  But conversely, I also love the idea of that extra $200 coming my way every month to give extra padding to a rainy day/next investment fund.

I realize many of you might say do what is best for you and your situation, but I'm curious as to how you BP-ers think about it in regards to the market trends and inflation. Thanks!