If you don't have the extra cash, can you get creative with a private lender or partner stacked on bank debt? 

Personally, I think I would stack some cash for a year or so while I did this. 

I'd have to see your overall layouts but I think you are on the right track. we build 3 story stacked triplexes and it's very efficient so don't be afraid to go up either. anytime you build more than 1 structure costs are much higher but if its just to offset mortgage and you want to be separate then I understand. 

Quote from @Jonathan Bombaci: This year, our management company, which oversees 700+ units in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, spent over $209,000 on attorney fees, primarily related to evictions.

Also there is a management fee to pay for all of the above.

The yard looked like trash, plumbing stack leaks and multiple water heater leaks.

Do you get energized by throwing your stack of cash on black and seeing what lady luck has for ya? 

Beyond that, sending upfront fees to a lender is not okay.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/what-documents-do-you-nee...BRRRR Loans: What Are the Options, and How Do DSCR Loans Stack Up?

You simply stack and bolt together the rings to the height you want.