But since you will be able to finance with LTVs, potentially higher leverage may be used and can scale the portfolio faster with the right strategy. 

You can theoretically have a higher rate from one lender with lower origination fees and total finance charges may come in lower.  

Either way, $600 in cash flow should actually help your personal DTI if you go for conventional financing on a primary again. 

I'd need to finance with hard money.

@Placeholder Placeholder, I've financed quite a few STR's in the St Pete market.

Pilot a unit or two with this renovation spec and see how much demand you get from QUALIFIED applicants.  

He is good for the basics like money management and not being stupid with your finances. 

I predict that the guys who are fully leveraged and cash flowing $100 per month will be motivated sellers when the next big correction happens.actually its either them or they walk and its their lenders selling that is what happened in that time period.. and was pronounced in certain markets.for me personally  I don't want to risk  my credit and finances and borrow 75k to make 1200 a year... or even 2400 a year if its a market that has a history of no appreciation and I don't feel there is going to be any significant appreciation.. 2 to 3% a year does not cut it.but I will take 500 a month negative or 10k a month negative if I think there are huge gains at the other end.. 

Keep in mind, there are scenarios where you can use creative financing or OPM to get that duplex in the future.

Leverage your construction expertise to accurately estimate rehab costs and streamline renovations, and focus on financing strategies like hard money or private loans for your BRRRR deals.