We’ve probably all never lived not knowing if we’ll eat for the next day or two.

also if i'm saving 3-5k per unit, that would be 12-20k saved just for renovations, which eats up most of my entire budget... is it impractical to try to buy a 4plex with this much capitol?

It does eat into your cash flow though.

Tenant laws can eat your lunch and I bet a paycheck they'll never get better.

@Lawrence RatliffFirst off I commend you for the hustle, the ambition, and the huevos (Spanish for eggs referring to something else) to start your RE pursuits.but ...1) I agree strongly with @Justin R.2) I am not a big fan of any of the so called "rules" but the one that I use as a quick guide on ROI calculations is the 50% rule for lower cost units. 

I always liked the saying "you can't eat equity". 

Trying to steer clear of using 25% down (from HELOC) and then finding a 1st mortgage (I'd have two mortgages on the property then) as I feel it would eat pretty quickly into my cash flow, obviously.  

Also, keep in mind that a condo comes with HOA fees that can increase in the future, eating into some or possibly all of your cash flow.

You be looking to eat the equity out to invest in another deal.

Nobody eats for free!