That’s why I invested in rentals—to have a safety net.I'm not exactly sure where you're at, but if your current situation is causing frustration or stress, there’s no shame in selling a property to free up capital.

Do you buy homes that do not satisfy this rule, or do you just make lower offers so that you adhere to that rule?

In terms of the second scenario, the upside I see is the option to get a different kind of loan (say, FHA with a lower down payment and other assistance programs for K-12 educators like me) since I'd be getting a new primary residence instead of a second home.

As an example, although we are “hard money” lenders we seek lower rate long term financing for our real property investments.  

It is in a northern MI Downtown area (opp zone) in a county seat with 2 hospitals, had it re-zoned to mixed use, and is considered blighted which makes it eligible for MEDC funding of up to 50% of project cost.It is 8k sqft (4,000 each level) with the lower level being a walkout (top level is street level with sloped drive down to the rear of the building).

By year two, he refinanced to lower his rate and dramatically increased his cash flow.

Hello Vivian, there are a lot of opportunities to invest in Tulum downtown, the beaches are occupied only by hotels and restaurants, this is the best time to invest in a pre construction unit at lower price than the finished units with a difference of 25 to 30% bellow market price, check this website to view some opportunities www.tulumrealty.net

In times of economic stress, people may not choose to vacation in Las Vegas.

Our agent seems incredibly stressed by it all, she's spent decades building her reputation which is now being dragged down by this guy but I don't know what she can do.  

Big picture, however, I am building a plan and team to invest in strong markets with lower entry prices to BRRRR 5+ unit multi families.