Alternatively, if I can find a lower cost single fam home where I can cash out 100% of my investment I would do that but those have been harder to find recently. 

You can use your own funds, use a HELOC or do a cash out refinance to cover the costs.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

A friend of mine, Ryan, who invests heavily in Baltimore, realized his interest costs were eating into his cash flow.

How much should I estimate this will cost? 

Usually you can negotiate it for a few thousand and buying new costs about $20/ft. 

So I almost “broken even” with the cost of construction vs. valuation aspect.

The cost to maintain them probably wouldn’t be exactly 8x as compared to the single 8-unit, but it sure as hell isn’t a 1-to-1 ratio either. 

Once it's rented, use that rental income to help offset your DTI, which may help you qualify for the second property sooner.Partner with Investors: Team up with someone to split costs and lower your personal DTI impact.

Regionality and competition greatly factors into the cost structure.