Limiting leverage, for any loan ever = reducing lender exposure/risk.

Have any of you property managers out there implemented something like this, and would you be so kind to share yours with me so I can get some ideas? 

New landlords have no idea how much money a “bad” tenant can cost, how much of your time they can consume, and how much of your energy they can drain. 

If you're in Northern MN, there is a very good chance that the cost to build a new duplex exceeds the resale value, which would be an awful idea to build a new one. 

Unfortunately - my current lot for my primary is 1 acre and VERY sloped, and close to a water source (creek), so the county has not even allowed me to permit my downstairs finished basement without an extremely costly renovation to our septic (over $60,000, and that doesn't count demo'ing and replacing our driveway to get to the existing tank and leachfield), and even if I could permit it, it would essentially need to be a treehouse in the redwoods due to the slope (not a bad idea though, I would actually love a livable treehouse on this lot!

This influx is limiting rent growth nationwide, particularly in the Sun Belt, where oversupply has led to rent declines.Nationwide, vacancy rates edged down to 7.8% as move-ins outpaced move-outs.

@Joe Villeneuve @Theresa Harris, thanks a lot for taking the time and provide some info/ideas/suggestionsTo give you some color for these properties, there is a 15 years-plan that my wife and I are planning to have arround 5 to 7 properties in the same $$$ range (-+ $200K) that we can rent them around $1600-$1800I believe after 10 yrs, I am expecting to a better cash flow considering some loans will be paid in full, but maybe the next properties will have as you suggest 30 year-loan. 

@Drew Sygit Trying to understand paying bank this loan rate is good idea or payoff principal early is a good idea.

Please let me know your thoughts and please poke holes in this idea!

This can give you some kind of idea.