effectively, you'd either need to look for a lender that would let you use the other property as collateral (cross) so that you can avoid actually taking the cash-out (this is rare in terms of institutional DSCR lenders, but fairly common in the hard money or private money space)...

If not, well you know the old saying, "the best time to get a lead paint certificate for your units was last year; the second best time is now".I've been told that the RI DOH may not start hitting people with fines for failure to register on October 1 as the law allows them to, due to the insufficient # of inspectors in the state to meet the demand.However, I've also been told that the other part of the law, the one that makes it so you cannot file for an eviction in RI without a current lead paint certificate, is expected to take effect sharply on October 1st.For anyone who hasn't submitted their properties/units to the new registry, I have a 15-page guide (with screenshots) that walks you through it.

This is usually effective but can be difficult in certain markets.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in fairly splitting utility costs among tenants?

This direct approach made their efforts more effective.

Understand the contracts you sign and how each detail of the investment can be effected in each scenario.

We have a very hard core policy on smoking / vaping, screen shots below...

Many lenders generally have a 1-year lookback window where things will change as soon as its been 12 full months without a mortgage late (then will essentially no longer be a penalty besides any effect on FICO score)

Remember like add-ons to a vehicle purchase purchasers effectively increase the amount of capital borrowed. 

Maybe you just haven't found a lawyer who isn't a wimp. lolJust trying to show some of the other effects you may not be considering, if you settle.