For example, if I can get 3x more than my mortgage in rent (at fair market value), then I also have more cushion to lower rents and absorb vacancies during downturns, thus ensuring I can keep my properties and long term gains.Curious, the locations you mentioned ...did others share any numbers to support?   

A little cash cushion is a good bet for you right now.Best of luck to you and I look forward to following your journey!

Make sure you have some cushion in the rehab budget)

I would rather wait and save up more money to put down so as to create a cushion making things more financially feasable for myself but knowing people they will always do what they are going to do.

I would put a 5% to keep a little cushion. 

But the general premise would work.If you do it, I would look at refinancing the heloc sooner than later and might also work on trying to get a little more money saved up cause you will need a cushion for the rental property.

Much better to refinance with a safe equity cushion and save up for the next investment property.

You need more cushion in 2018 .

You always need to include the HOA fees in your calculations, and might need to add "cushion" depending on what type of property you buy (some seem to have HOA assessments more often than others).

And that cushion should allow me to retire earlier than I otherwise could.