Cash flow is defined as the money left over after paying for all expenses, including setting aside a certain amount to cover projected expenses like maintenance, vacancies, or capital expenditures.EXAMPLE:Property Price: $250,000Down Payment (25%): $62,500Loan Amount: $187,500Interest Rate: 6.5%Loan Term: 30 yearsMonthly Mortgage Payment: $1,185Monthly ExpensesMortgage Payment: $1,185Property Taxes: $250Insurance: $100Maintenance (10% of rent): $250Vacancy and CapEx (20% of rent): $500Rental IncomeMonthly Rent: $2,500Total Expenses: $2,285Cash FlowNet Cash Flow: $215 per month 💰However, there are many other factors to consider.

I'm sure there's other stuff you'll want to factor in - what businesses are moving to and from each areas. 

So, that adds to the risk more-so for a novice who doesn't know how to factor in that risk. c.

There are several factors that affected my decision, the first being the rising condo fees. 

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Keeping in mind you're not making a decision for your forever home....Let me know if you need market specific insight. 

If a property needs too much work upfront, it may not be the best first investment.4.Factor in property management costs—even if you self-manage.

Factor it into your cost and decision. 

I understand there are some other factors I glossed over like gaining the approval of the first seller to switch collateral and the lien in second position, gaining approval of the second seller to put a second position lien below the big loan, and scheduling the sale of the first property to coincide with the purchase of the second property.

Most are also not considering between the new construction product and the entry level SFH with risk being the deciding factor.