Typically I’m seeing higher appreciation than cash flow but it can be hard to tap into that equity if rents won’t cover the new cost of the refinance.

Yep for one especially in the early stages a hard credit pull would not be useful, just have them do soft checks for the time being and opt out of credit solicitation: www.optoutprescreen.com I could be biased... that said typically working with one lender than can help regardless of where you're looking and having a relationship with that will provide the easiest and most cost effective route long term. 

The ideal home price for you will depend on: 1) downpayment size 2) risk appetite, 3) preference for more cash flow or appreciation.Given our price points, our investors need to have 35-45K to start, on average.The typical cash-on-cash return on our properties net of loan payments, insurance, taxes, and property management fees is 6-8%.Ultimately, you can obtain financing from any lender, although we have partner lenders that can provide very competitive rates.

Typically it's 70-80% range.

I am just looking for insight from local MA realtors, attorneys or landlords regarding what my typical monthly expenses (if any) will likely be (I don’t mean one-off expenses like roof repairs). 

Typically speaking 20% down (80% LTV) is the bare minimum that commercial lending requires.  10% down is unheard of unless you are getting a great deal and negotiate some small seller financing in second position or getting an SBA Loan for acquisition where your business will occupy over 51% of. 

For a partnership where you're providing all labor and the broker is funding the deal, a fair split typically ranges from 30-50% for you and 50-70% for the broker, depending on the value and complexity of your labor versus the financial risk they're taking.

@Teri Feeney Styers the slow flip method that I think he is referring to is the one coined by Scott Jelinek which is buying a livable property using private money on a short term (typical 60 month--like a car) and immediately marking it up 2-4 times and selling it on a 30 year term using a land contract.

For costs, you’ll typically need to budget for title insurance (usually around 0.5%-1% of the purchase price), attorney fees (varies but can range from $500-$2,000 depending on the complexity), and closing costs (might include recording fees, escrow fees, and other admin costs—generally $500-$2,000).

Typically they want good credit score, landlord experience, and 20% down.You can get ones that will either use current rents OR market rents.