The general rule of thumb when using debt is to ensure that whatever asset you buy with the debt should make more than the debt service.  

So shift your expectations to most of the cash out and you'll be good and you'll actually start buying deals, versus people who wait for the perfect deal, spin their wheels for 6 months terminating contracts/analyzing hundreds of places, and then eventually burn out and give up. 

Am I overall lowering my expenses if I buy a two-flat and rent out one unit?   

For example we opened buy/sell agency from being exclusive to portfolio clients now open to all.

The Mexican corporation, generally advised if you buy multiple properties, given the higher costs.

We have looked at these loans in the past that they did have but decided against buying because they did not fit our buy box but there are investors out there who would buy whatever is left of their assets. 

I'm a property manager, and I also buy/sell property.

What would you say to the first time investor looking to buy, rehab, rent, and refinance in Dallas?

I never buy into these just watch and learn that is it.

A great way to start is by learning how to analyze deals and exploring strategies like buy-and-hold or house hacking.