All else being equal, lower mortgage rates reduce the cost of ownership and, thereby, allow more people to afford to buy.

I believe up to close to 40% down with a 720 or greater credit score on a conventional loan product could give you the best interest rate. 

You can afford to pay a bit more if rates cool down.We need to also remember that BRRRR become a really hot topic in a low interest environment.

@Danielle Tran, if its not in the lease they cannot make you stop selling those products.

Always buy the best quality property you can afford.

I'd recommend a project manager or architect if your budget can afford one.

Hi Shawn-Congratulations on starting out on your real estate investing career.You have a question about whether it is good to have your real estate license or not as an investor and you are leaning toward multifamily investing.I personally think having your real estate license is helpful as an investor.Having your real estate license allows you to work with other investors to help them build their portfolios which helps expand your network while being productive, you can research market value more effectively, find out about deals before they are listed, and of course it allows you to collect the commission on purchasing any listed property.To Your Success!

It makes sense for more affordable housing for owner occupants.

There is a place and time that it makes sense, but as long as you get any cashflow that first year, father's time will likely help you out after that as long as you have a quality product. 

Once you decide which type of exchange you want to do, you could then narrow down your product / company.