You have to come to the table (a future deal) with funds to get the ball rolling.

Real estate vs. stocks: a classic debate!

Having a team who can take the deal from the closing table to completion and rent the units. 

Coasting means taking risks off the table.

If you go over budget, you'll be forced to bring liquidity you may not have to the refi closing table.

Think of the manpower 10 investors could bring to the table.

@Jonathan Blanco, I'm and investor and a licensed mortgage broker so I've been on both sides of this conversation.I would look for a lender that (1) listens to you and understands your strategy and needs (hint: it's not always money), (2) has experience working with clients executing your strategy and brings more to the table than just cash - be it advice, relationships, deal-team partners, etc., (3) gives you viable options and explains the pros and cons of each option and (4) you enjoy interacting with - this should be a relationship, not a transaction.Once you find a few lenders like this (and you should have relationships with more than one), then you can start comparing rates and fees.

Choosing between a single-family home and a duplex is a classic real estate investor dilemma.

If the seller has equity at the closing table part of the proceeds could go towards the utilities being caught up.

It takes 2 off the table.