Mortgage lenders will qualify you for a higher purchase amount for multis than they would on a single, because they will count the rent you will be making on the other units as additional qualifying income for your loan application.

I utilized those funds to purchase 18 rental units.

I have two duplex units and am subdividing into townhomes for higher market value.

Not one that’s too big because it’s your first multi family, but maybe a 4-8 unit.

If you're looking for out-of-state properties, start with turnkey single-family homes or small 2-4 unit properties while building your local network and establishing boots on the ground.

Then we keep the accounting straight via Quickbooks with each unit a different Class.

I understand this is not a requirement, but I have never received a damaged unit from an inherited tenant or any legal issues.

For path #2, you mean purchase & renovate a 3-5 unit building right?

He's probably someone you don't want in your unit for the long term.

In Jersey City, it doesn't kick-in until 4-units - so for the smaller multis or single-units it is not a problem.