You should have 25% down payment + closing costs, + an oh Sh*t fund on top of that. 

you may have to save up until you have enough money to do so - down payment, closing costs, reserves, etc.House Hacking: What Is It, How to Start, and Strategies for Successit's a more powerful way to get started. 

I've closed more than 110 deals in the last 26 months (remotely).

Although the study may increase the gain, the gain may be taxed at a much lower rate making it a beneficial investment.If a property is purchased with the intention to flip or own for a short period of time (less than 3 years), a cost segregation study may not be significant.Overall, as long as you intend to hold the investment property for greater than a year, the benefits of a cost segregation study should be considered.

I just closed a $1.2 million dollar insurance deal and every dollar really matters. 

The down payment might be a little higher, but it will be a much longer-term loan that you won't have to worry about coming up with big payment in month 24 and it'll be amortized over a much longer time period (probably 25-30 years), so the monthly payment could actually be lower. 

The negatives are that rents are might be lower than market rates and definitely than Airbnb rentals.

Thankfully, I come from a close-knit family who believed in me.That second investment turned out to be a game-changer.

As discussed the property at the time of closing was occupied.

Most lenders won't require an application fee and should be able to clearly lay out their financing costs, cash to close, and projected profitability for you.I hope this helps.