We have a property management company in New Jersey where we make some of our best clients hundreds of thousands of dollars between helping them force appreciation, increase cash flow, finding them deals etc.

My income doesn’t show itself as being very high, but I have a relatively large amount of cash to put down.

I used to work in finance and we could get clients approved for a HELOC in less than 24 hours which will be much quicker than the cash out finance.

I am a house hacker myself and have 2 properties here that now cash flow.

@John Reagan Johnson hope you don't mind a PMC answering, but most of our clients hire us because:1) They live out of state and don't have time & expertise to remote manage2) They don't have the time to manage3) They don't feel they have the necessary expertise and/or don't want to risk learning as they go and making an expensive mistake.Go read Kiosaki's Cash Flow Quadrant book.

I just don't think you can expect a property to cash flow when you're putting 3.5% down.

$400k equity is producing $1600/month cash flow for a return from the cash flow of 4.8%.  

Just focus on running the numbers carefully to ensure the property cash flows or at least covers expenses, and don’t hesitate to lean on resources here for advice.If you’re financing, look into FHA loans, as they’re great for first-time buyers purchasing up to 4-unit properties with low down payments.

I would love to maximize cash flow but also do not want to be left on an island if there is damage. 

Retaining your current home at a 2.875% mortgage rate maximizes cash flow, while accessing $65K in equity provides liquidity for your next steps.