If it was easy to take $1k and turn it into $10k easily with minimal work and sacrifice like the guru's say, then we would be the richest country in the world.  

However, if you minimize your vacancy exposure, you may find (just like I have witnessed for years) that it is a much easier and more beneficial strategy.

Loss of use is foryour additional expenses if you can not live there due to a covered claim (ie.

Should I just save that additional tuition money and put that towards my first investment? 

Holding Costs - My experience with owner financing is that I can buy and sell a property in a month or less since the rehab is minimal and I'm providing the financing.

If you own a 2-flat with an additional non-conforming garden unit (basement) being rented, and you're considering a cash-out refinance, how will the lender evaluate the rental income?

Figured there would be a few data points left out of the equation' that I would need to circle back with :) .There are additional units not rented at this time which could be rented to increase the income.

I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

In addition, the Grantor will probably be required to sign the same seller's affidavit that are needed for a non DIL closing. 

Additionally, it's easy for a house on one lease to get absolutely trashed by the renter.