Actually added a second property down the street to maximize our property management fees.

@Mike DymskiThanks for the reply mike.I'm just thinking more into maximizing profits.

Of course, all investors want to maximize the cash flow in the property so, fees etc are an important factor.

Secondly I maximize my retirement accounts because those can't be taken from me. 

You can call me child like and laugh at what I say, but you and I are doing the same thing, which is maximizing profiting for our own financial success.

Only interested in maximizing cash flow - you should look to invest in Ohio or other states that have minimal appreciation play.

I had also explored the idea of the life insurance; only it would lower the net income when paying the insurance's yearly premiums, and the wish is to maximize the cash flows while my parents live, not after they pass away, so I am leaving this as last resort. 

I'm proposing a flip heavy first year to maximize profits followed by a split investment (flips/new builds/rentals) the following year to help safeguard those profits and provide tax benefits.

Focusing on maximizing IRR instead of other metrics has heavily influenced my priorities.To answer your main question directly, I am able to get 10-15% IRR on standard 25% down purchases, and 50-70% IRR on owner-occupied 5% down purchases (where I have to move into one of the units).

Morning BiggerPockets world.I am currently on the first R and trying to plan my renovation in a way that maximizes my appraisal ( as expected)...I have the opportunity to save about a grand on my rehab by having a used HVAC system installed.