You missed an important item: Depending on how a person does #1 or #2, it could get them: A fast-pass to the "Principles Office" for "bullying" and now there sitting in "detention".... 

Even though it's tough, you'll get stronger and smarter than those sitting on the beach waiting for the tides to turn in their favor.

20-25% I guess you have your reasons for the down payment discrepancy between citizens and non-citizens, haha, but it doesn't sit too well with me.

Buy strategically, and if you do it right you may be able to get that 2nd one quicker than you originally thought and sit in a better position than you do as of today.

For single family residential I think it is a red flag, usually price if they are sitting.

It utilizes money sitting in your checking account to good use AND  you still have access to the HELOC, line of credit to pay off expenses and other costs.  

In a slow market homes sit and rot, they are on the MLS forever and the longer it sits, the lower the price goes to find the sweet spot for just the perfect buyer.

If your local market is very active and homes are selling fast, you may be able to get by with doing less.Your Home’s Condition: If your home is vacant or has a unique layout, using a professional stager who can bring in the right furniture and accessories may help buyers truly visualize its full potential.Your Budget: Talk to your agent to get an idea of staging costs in your area, as it can be the difference between your house selling and sitting.

Reality is most of us who make it long term work our butts off in a W2, save as much as possible and build it over time -- When I see people want 10 properties in one year with no money down - I question how realistic that is, of course anything can be done but is that even the right play unless your sitting on $2-$3M in cash?

I am buying a property for 144k that appraised for 247. the property was lowered to this number after sitting for a year. needs 25k in repairs, and will rent for 1350-1450.