How long it takes to be financially ready is different for everyone.

I know I already mentioned this, but @Mordy Chaimovitz...If you can get by with lower cash flow and invest for the long-term generational wealth (aka appreciation) in nice neighborhoods, that is the way to go, but it's tough to get by at times -- at least it is for me.Just know everyone's situation is different, and you should do what is best for your specific circumstances!

With that comes different exposures and risks that they need to properly rate for.

So, when investing in areas they don’t really know, investors should research the different property Class submarkets.

However, a different niche such as insurance placements, might very well be in the 70%~ occupancy level but the rents are going to be so much higher that the occupancy rate (comparatively speaking) is irrelevant.

Cost segregation can be utilized for many different scenarios such as new construction, properties already owned and newly purchased properties.

It has worked out and I've invested in different areas and aspects of the niche.

You will also need different levels of staffing to support the various strategies as you are already realizing. 

We looked at a couple different options as far as % downpayment and I figured I would refinance in the near future to help the payment get down lower.

I agree with @Kyle Mccaw, there are a lot of marketing factors like photos that can make a big difference.