THEN, I plan to purchase the second home using a FHA or conventional loan (3%-5% down), for which I will likely pay the monthly cost out-of-pocket, maybe with some rental income support if it is a duplex.My concern is, I do not want to spend my savings or weigh down my debt-to-income ratio so much so that I cannot qualify for and pay the down payment and closing for the lending on the second home.Questions: - With the first home being multi-family, 75% of the rental income (or potential rental income initially) will relatively either maintain or boost my debt-to-income ratio from lenders' perspectives, right? 

This aligns with my interest in passive income.I realize I am not cut out for the entire REI process of consistently finding multiple properties for particular exit strategies.

Mortar, paint & bonding materials deteriorate leaving cracks, gaps, etc. which can be concerning to look at, but this is very often addressed with repointing.

For example, I am a little concerned about some aspects of the business cycle recovery and a potential for a double-dip so I lean toward the safest part of capital stack which is debt (or low-debt equity).

It was a huge investment, but it cut the electricity cost by the full 2K per/mo all summer.

I've done this on one house in order to cut costs - since then, I've added a meter with the utility company but it's a good workaround for the short term. 

Those things won't matter if your business crushes it. i feel like it would matter when those things add up and start tearing at ur profit If banking fees cut into your profit, your profit isn't big enough.

Should I be concerned the bank may have issues with this? 

Ask for seller concessions to cut down closing costs.

They push their offer without listening to the seller’s story, concerns, or goals.