I started by saving up for a down payment which was 5% for the first "second home" property in 2004, then 10% on the next few. 

I would definitely avoid her services if you want to save yourself the trouble and get quality work.

The issue we had is that over time, our sheets get mixed up with other customers' (cheaper) sheets, and we ultimately end up with an inventory of sheets that are not ours.

So if you do an exchange you are saving $100k in taxes today.

If the rate is reasonable then it may make sense to try to save fast to get to the 3.5% down payment on a double or triple - househacking may allow you to increase your savings rate and pay down that loan even faster.As for estimating costs, closing in NY factor at least 1% of the mortgage amount for tax, plus $1500-2000 for lawyer, title and fees, then the amount required by the bank for escrow will depend on the actual property taxes and insurance.

This is substantively more “downpayment” savings upfront.

If the tenant has low net worth, a court judgment is practically worthless.Taking a week to vet a tenant can save months of headache.

Essentially ended up screwed out of a substantial chunk of retirement savings and left to find my own lender elsewhere to close the deal.

Our Recommendation: This decision is ultimately up to you.

We have our entire savings wrapped up in this.