I recommend working with an investor-friendly agent to help you figure out the market before analyzing any deals.

Here are some pros and cons of each approach to help you decide:Paying Cash for One Home and Refinancing LaterPros:No Mortgage Payments: You won't have monthly mortgage payments initially, which can reduce financial stress.Equity: You own the home outright, giving you full equity which can be used for refinancing.Lower Costs: No interest payments and possibly lower closing costs compared to having a mortgage.Better Negotiation Power: Cash buyers often have more negotiating power and can close deals faster.Cons:Opportunity Cost: Your cash is tied up in one property, potentially limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities.Refinancing Risks: Future interest rates may be higher, making refinancing more expensive.Market Fluctuations: Property values might decrease, affecting the amount you can refinance.Buying Four Homes with 20% Down on EachPros:Diversification: Owning multiple properties diversifies your investment, reducing risk.Rental Income: Potential rental income from multiple properties can generate cash flow.Appreciation: You benefit from the appreciation of multiple properties.Leverage: Using mortgages allows you to leverage your investments, potentially increasing your return on investment.Cons:Higher Debt: You'll have multiple mortgage payments, increasing your debt and financial obligations.Management: Managing multiple properties can be more complex and time-consuming.Market Risks: Market downturns can affect all properties, amplifying risks.Cash Flow: If rental income is not enough to cover mortgage payments, you could face cash flow issues.Considerations:Financial Stability: Assess your current financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments and potential vacancies.Market Conditions: Consider current and projected real estate market conditions and interest rates.Investment Goals: Align your decision with your long-term investment goals and risk tolerance.Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.If you prioritize lower risk and less debt, paying cash for one home might be the better option.

What’s great about the DSCR is if you have good credit and a lower LTV the rates are better than most conventional rates right now.Cash out is set at 75% LTV there are some 80% options but the rates in most cases are too high to debt ratio at the required DSCR ratio usually 1.00% or equal to PITI/ITI.

I guess what I'm getting at is it seems like our options are either bite the bullet in our next primary residence where we are currently located, understanding the future opportunity to rent for cash flow looks pretty bleak, or look in other states where we would have more buying power and try to find a duplex or sfh that will cash flow off the bat. 

Prashanth,Exactly what I was looking for thank you my friend, great write up!

Some of these other options you listed are decisions based on how you want to live and how you feel about having strangers in your primary house and aren't something we can tell you to do. 

The program looks at location, property value, amount owing, interest rate, taxes, insurance, rents, condition, etc and several exit strategies.When we make an offer to buy, we can offer cash, subject to, wrap, seller financing, lease option, seller carryback and so on.Obviously if we wholesale the property, there is no carrying management needed, and if use a lease option to sell, the optionee is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

I am not sure if this is the right place or not but I wanted some input into any obvious issues with my lease option offers to the tenant buyer that earns plenty of income but doesn't have the cash right now and wants to improve credit before purchasing but would like to lock in the price as our market is still struggling with inventory. 

This point is actually why I don't invest with some of my closest friends, even though we agree on many things.

You'll have the option to refinance later when rates decrease, if necessary.