I also really like that this is a U-shaped window unit which wraps over the window sill, meaning that you get to keep nearly all of your window's view and natural light, as well as it being theoretically harder for someone to break into the apartment by kicking in/pulling out the AC unit (ours is on the second floor, but the safety concerns for first floor units is definitely a consideration you'll want to factor in).Heating.  

IMHO.Not that I will take them into consideration, but I appreciate your thoughts anyway...... :-) I other words, Bruce doesn't believe math has any part in investment analysis. 

If it will cost you considerably more in the future and loss of appreciation, lose of tax writeoffs and lose of cash flow in the meanwhile, than the amount of debt you are paying off, how does that put you ahead? 

50% down is considerable but common.

Since Garrett Sutton's advice speaks specifically to some of the advice you've been given here, I'd can't encourage you enough to at least read the book and take his advice into consideration.  

Also keep in mind depending on what time of refinance you do, there pay be a prepayment penalty that is triggered when you refinance again. 

I’m new to investing and have a flip with a big loss under my belt and am very fearful to pull the trigger again, but know that real estate is the way to freedom.

You can but you run the risk of triggering the due on sale clause.No need to have in an LLC.

I'll take that into consideration!

Hard money loans aren't inherently bad, but they require careful consideration of the costs and benefits.