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Originally posted by @Tony Vicente:I'm looking at a home that's zoned "R8", contains a single family home that I'd like to convert to multi-family.R8 includes both single family and multi-family.

This meant I couldn’t pursue the driver personally and had to rely on their car insurance, which settled for $25K—their maximum coverage.Unfortunately, the crash added $77K in unexpected costs, including $41K in repairs and extended holding costs.

I would be focusing on adding value into the homes you are looking at.

I started out with value add, where we force appreciated properties by adding square footage and beds/baths.

I could see how purchasing before the rehab I could have added additional equity but then I would have had to manage the purchase and rehab from out of state.

One of my clients has added about 50 doors through me.

If you are set on your strategy of just adding 3 more rentals then you should probably leverage your network of lenders and discuss best options with them to free up some cash for more investments.

Consider looking for a large single-family home with the ability to add more rooms or bathrooms, then rent it out by the room. 

@Grace Norton adding to what's been written already, you'll want to get a 2-year work history for both.To consistently pay rent, requires consistent income, which requires consistent employment.Pretty simple concept!