The system only requires about 1 minute a month to recoup heating cost. 

What a great support system I’m am impressed! 

Each market is different, and SF is very unique. 

I think it doesn't exist, because youre in a unique situation.

It will take you literally years to make that kind of money and it wouldn't be passive and you are likely working more hours with more stress.You are in a unique position.

If you can find smaller local banks in the market you pick they may have more unique products that they keep on their balance sheet or try and do the 5% down conventional on a 4-unit  FHA's self-sufficiency test applies to both 3 and 4-unit properties.

It’s fantastic to see you and your wife diving into real estate investing, especially in the Detroit market.Detroit has some unique opportunities for rentals, and there’s a lot of potential for growth.

You can reduce size, if you go deeper, but that only works if you have steep sites or are willing to add a pump system to the outlet. 

What are some unconventional creative financing strategies you've personally used or encountered in real estate investing that led to unexpected success, and what lessons did you learn from those experiences?

This includes, water, hot water, heat, air conditioning, cable, security system, snow removal, lawn care.