Also, since the books were several years old, I'm not sure if there is better software or apps like Zillow to use for managing a property.  

We made a lot of mistakes like working in the wrong order and doing work just to keep my employees busy.

Suggestions like driving by the houses weekly are silly, such trips serve no legitimate business purpose. 

If you are a solo-preneur, you can tag another investor in the group to assist.We have action-plans and drips for investors to use for lead generation via call, text, email, door knock, driving for dollars Most of this is done out of the box versus heavy configuration and customization like other systems. 

For me, the reports available in Baselane are ideal, but I'm also not trying to run a different business through it like it sounds like you may be doing.

You are correct that putting 3.5% down on a fourplex likely won't cash flow after one year.

@Asher M.Possible, yes but like your lender pointed out it's going to be difficult to pass the self-sufficiency test (SST) for a legal 3-4 unit property.

If you like to be risky with your capital maybe try putting it in some index funds, crypto, or stocks that you believe in and understand and then take it out when its made a good return and then use it for the downpayment.  

This seems like a very easy property, management-wise.

It’s the simplest way to get a feel of what it is like to be a landlord without going through the hassle of managing rehab projects.