I really appreciate it If you can pay in cash and not deplete your liquid cash below your emergency savings bucket, I would go cash right now.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Many borrowers think they can “cut out” the middleman (mortgage or loan broker), save some upfront “points” and fees, and go direct to a lender.  

I have been saving for years to invest in my first multifamily property.

If you can live for free and only pay utilities AND buy an investment property, that would be ideal in terms of savings and cash flow.If you can't stay and your parents want to make some money on that property, then yes, house hacking would be your best option especially since you don't want the best place in the multi.

When developing, I'd first talk with the city building/zoning about what they want to see more of and where, and try a simple project that should be smooth sailing on plan approvals, saving you time and money. 

I’m exploring all options to try to save myself.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

My biggest tip is to save way more that you make and then buy a 2-4 unit building and use a 203k or homestyle renovation loan to do some rehab and add some instant equity.Also, Network as much as possible and get comfortable approach any one and asking lots of questions. 

I seen somewhere where there was some info on how to estimate how much the rehabs will cost i just dont know where it is. also can someone tell me how i will know what the ARV will be?