We have managed to build a solid liquid nest egg, but I'm hesitant to lock the majority of it up in a low LTV mortgage on a really expensive primary residence.

Bought house in 2020, so instant cash flow given the low rate and price.

I've read many of the BiggerPockets books like - House Hacking- Flipping- Estimating Rehabs- Multifamily Millionaire Book I and II- How to Invest in Real Estate with Low or No Money Down- Investing from a Distanceand even some outside of themand have been wanting to do something in Real Estate for awhile.

How much would you need to have in cash to cover expenses on your portfolio for 6 months.

Again, we were just happy our expenses were covered on the first home.

If you are going to be an owner-occupant, want a low down payment, and are planning to do a renovation, the FHA 203k and Fannie May Homestyle loans are your best optionsHow do you know the property is currently upside down on the mortgage? 

Even if I were to rent it out on Airbnb, the cash-on-cash return isn't very attractive.Specifically, I’m concerned about:High mortgage payments and the financial strain it could cause if the property doesn't generate sufficient cash flow.Cash-on-cash return is low, even with high-revenue short-term rentals.My Questions:Risk Mitigation:Any strategies I can use to mitigate the risks associated with owning a high-value property with a large mortgage?

There are other loan products available that are still a low down payment. 

., Purchase Price: $475,000 ($197.9/sq. ft.).Estimated Market Value: $402,000 ($168/sq. ft.).Financing Terms: 2% interest rate, with a 9-year balloon.Unit B Income: $2,049/month (Section 8 tenant through November 2025).Unit A Income Potential: Similar rent or higher; Section 8 cap for the area is $3,234/month.Monthly Loan Payment (P+I): $1,386.Cash Flow Breakdown (if both units are rented at $2,049/month):Gross Rent: $4,098/month.Vacancy (10%): $410/month.Operating Expenses (37.3%): $1,376/month.Net Cash Flow: $943/month.Key QuestionsWould you be comfortable paying an 18% premium for financing at 2%, especially in a market where current mortgage rates are closer to 7%?

RE is expensive