As such, we are considering owning the properties in our own names to minimize tax burdens.Our primary motivation for investing in real estate is appreciation, as current projections show neutral cash flow.

All commercial mortgages have DSCR as a primary component, anything >4 units is commercial, and no one calculates personal DTI on a commercial mortgage (so calling it a "DSCR loan" is a misnomer, if I had a wonky commercial mortgage that calculated DTI and would go for an owner occ SFR, I wouldn't call it a "DTI loan," I would call it a "home loan").

The numbers" from a cashflow standpoint will mean different things for different people.Personally, I won't get out of bed unless I can earn a 15% net cashflow ROI yearly on any deal.Any appreciation I consider just the cherry on top.Granted, I wouldn't complain if I had some major appreciation on any rental since the time I started investing in 2011.You can however always live/survive of the cashflow.Just my opinion.Thanks  >Also, you can't really live/survive off the appreciation unless you tap into a HELOC.In my market refi is the primary means of extraction due to fixed rate.  

@River Sava, I thought about the Cash-out refinance option, but it does not make sense for the one property I want to pull equity from since I have a 3.75% on the primary mortgage. 

Medical/physician programs are typically best for primary or investment purchases..check in with @Joseph Chiofalo he is a national lender and refinance savant that's worked closely with me for over two decades.

Putting it on the market (Of which I can help you get it sold and on the MLS), taking the equity and putting it into a 1031 cash flowing deal, or walk away with the equity if it is listed as your primary and you're able to take advantage of the tax incentive up to 250k single or 500k married. 

A trust may offer some of the same benefits as an LLC, depending on your goals, and allowing you to claim the part of the house you live in as homesteaded tax.Make sure you have the right home insurance and consider an umbrella policy for extra protection.Certainly buying a house, using conventional financing with limited money down as a primary residence and renting out parts of the house to help pay the mortgage, is a smart financial move.

You can only play Owner/Builder on your own primary residence.

Most work this way Rates: 9% to 13% (Most Deals are 11-12%)Terms: up to 36 Months (Most Deals are 6-12 months)Fees: 2-4 points(%) of loan amount paid at closing (Most Deals are 3 points(%))Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000 (For loans less than $250,000 $2,500 minimum fee)Max Loan: 65%-70% of After Repair Value(ARV)100% Rehab Financing Available (Require 20% of purchase price down payment or cross-collateral)Closing Timeframe: 48 Hours - 3 Weeks (Most Deals are 2 Weeks)NO PRIMARY RESIDENCES, NON-OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL USE ONLY.

Yes, primary reason for needing it to be legal is so I can get most or all of my money back out with a refi.