And you'll have the best rate/points options with a primary residence.Option #2 is great, especially if you're willing to move into one of the units (because the down payment minimum is just 5% or 3.5% depending on program), but as you mentioned it's really tough here to find small multifamily here.

I don't know about doing a refi, I think it depends on your situation and rates.

Depending on where the rental is, that might have an affect on what people are looking to stay in.

I only allow tenants to pay on the 1st of the month but I would consider alternate payment schedules dependent on the situation and tenant if they asked.

They have probably appreciated a lot depending when bought them.

@David SamIt depends on a number of factors. 

Do you need an S-Corp depends on your overall tax situation and profit you are expecting form this flip.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

While it is true that the time of year can influence market activity, as others have mentioned, there is usually a trade-off depending on the season.

I found that it is highly dependent on location and secondarily on time of year.

A mild recession is possible, but its impact on housing demand will depend on regional and economic conditions.