The analysis is targeted to small time DIY landlords with 1-5 properties with minimum requirements to be able to do the following tasks online:  Listing/Syndication, Applications, Screenings, Leases with eSignature, Payment Customization (i.e.

When we get farther into this process, I will absolutely ask to see all the leases and proof of payment history for the current tenants. 

If each property costs $250,000 and the only acquisition cost is a 25% down payment, how much savings would you need?

But 3) Try multifamily specific brokers, crexi and loopnet, although 2-4 units maybe scarce. 4) A home equity line of credit is a good source of funds however it will generally make your overall monthly payments higher, so unless a deal is very solidly cashflowing, a HELOC may put you into negative cashflow. 7) Typically electric/gas are paid by the tenant - however this isn't true across the board. 

If it costs you $20k to do a refi right now is that worth it on the payment difference?

Start with your primary, rent out any spare bedrooms "house hack"Use that to practice upgrades, kitchen, bathroom, curb appeal... etcNow you have experience as a landlord and flipper, use that to buy a distressed propertyAdd 40% equity to the property through home makeover, refinance into a low cost mortgageNow you are cashflowing a healthy margin on a second property, use that to build equity over time, cashout later and buy your duplex/quad.If it's going to take you 10 years to save up a down payment for a small apartment building, yeah it makes more sense to start growing your portfolio with cheap SFR flips instead.Every market is different, every borrower is different, every property is different, it would be ill-advised to recommend anything without recognizing the individual's nuanced goals and objectives with their next acquisition.

I plotted the range of down payment vs CoC and it's pretty obvious, the less you put down the better your CoC is. 

The most obvious example is when a borrower misses a payment, or two, or three.  

Also that will give me a lower payment which will allow me to have bigger profit from rent.

If you're not in a hurry and/or don't trust the lender at this point, it might not be a bad idea to check out other options.