THEN, I plan to purchase the second home using a FHA or conventional loan (3%-5% down), for which I will likely pay the monthly cost out-of-pocket, maybe with some rental income support if it is a duplex.My concern is, I do not want to spend my savings or weigh down my debt-to-income ratio so much so that I cannot qualify for and pay the down payment and closing for the lending on the second home.Questions: - With the first home being multi-family, 75% of the rental income (or potential rental income initially) will relatively either maintain or boost my debt-to-income ratio from lenders' perspectives, right? 

In Ohio, some banks and credit unions are known for flexibility with mixed-use or investment properties include:Civista Bank - Known in Ohio for its flexibility with investment properties, they may have options for mixed-use financing.Liberty Home Mortgage - Offers a range of loan products, including commercial options that might suit your situation.Huntington National Bank - Has experience in commercial lending and may offer portfolio loans that allow combining the properties.Asking for a price adjustment for buying the single-family home in cash could be feasible, especially if the seller needs flexibility for the divorce settlement.

We all don't care how much Apple profits on our iPhone... what really matters is the product or value we get or in this terms the ROI on our principal.The fees can be broken down in the three main fees (so you might have to combine some of the above fees under one of the categories below):Acquisition fee (paid % of the asset price) - normally 1-3%Asset management (paid % of the income the asset produces) - normally 1-3%Distribution or exit fee (paid % of the sold asset price) - normally 1-3%Development fees (this is present in development deals) - exampleNOTE: Just because these fees are high or the split structure has too much going to the GP does not disqualify it.

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans, which are popular for investors, may see changes that limit their accessibility.

Most who respond recommend creative financing....seller financing, sub to etc. or using highly levered hard money debt. 

I agree with @Shawn Ackerman I would start applying the cash flow to debt pay down.!

It can still qualify if it's a fixer-upper, as long as the rental income from the property can cover the debt service.

Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.

Taking a 15 year mortgage will hemorrhage your debt to income ratio and make it difficult to qualify for more home purchases in the future. 

Is your LLC authorized to incur debt without Investor approval?