Personally, I focus most on CoC, which of course is dependent on your interest rate if you're using a mortgage. 

Scaling is not an overnight scenario unless of course you have a lot of liquid cash to go through. 

If you can take a unit off someones hands for the right price then of course it could work.

I find IREM courses to be more advanced by comparison.

Of course, try to get multiple perspectives from different loan officers before committing. 

Of course this only works if you have a lot of equity. 

I’d love to hear your strategies and any examples of when you’ve successfully adjusted course!

I was onsite, had the conversation, and said I would give her the application - - of course she heard "I'll give you the apt". 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

I can understand the temptation of wanting more rent from your multifamily home however I would add this to your train of thought:What would happen if your tenant in your illegal basement unit burned down the house which caused another tenant to get hurt or even die?