If you can save up for a slightly higher down payment your margin for success will be significantly higher.Also, I strongly agree with the "buy the worst in a great neighborhood, live in the worst unit of the triplex and slowly fix it up yourself."

Charge the tenants a higher rent rate and include utilities with their rent.

So the lower the interest rate on the subject to loan, and the higher the prevailing rate, the more chance that a lender will initiate action.   

If the ARV has risen to $260k and you’re renting it out for $2900/month, you can likely qualify for a higher loan amount.Here are some key points to consider:Loan-to-Value (LTV): A typical DSCR refinance will allow you to borrow up to 75-80% of the property’s ARV, so for a $260k property, you might qualify for a loan of $195k to $208k, which could help pull out most or all of your original investment.Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): Since you're renting for $2900/month, the loan payment will need to be covered comfortably by that rent.

Unlike REITs, direct real estate provides control over management decisions and the ability to leverage financing for higher returns.

Does Trump's election yesterday, with presumed higher GDP growth and higher inflation (Tariffs/Deficits), which means higher 10 yr and Cap Rates, change timing of CRE acquisitions?

I think a stronger economy will lead to more demand and higher values in growing areas.

Any kind of non QM financing will have higher closing costs compared to conventional.

Their commercials seem higher quality than the no on prop 33 commercials (who have similar budgets but from much more sources).Hopefully voters educate on this and strike down this proposition for the third time. 

If the Ensuing damage is also not covered, the total loss could be vastly higher.