With this amount of money there is probably going to be a gift tax that your friend would have to pay.

There will also be closing costs to refinancing into DSCR.Lenders need 6 months to refinance a loan, anything sooner, you're probably paying a good amount of points / DSCR has to be rock solid.There also may be additional costs in maintaining your property.

Something between #1 and #2I know the answer is probably something like "however the numbers work best", but I'm looking for general guidance.

The answer to your question probably depends on other lifestyle factors, and your goals with your real estate portfolio.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

If you have to ask if you need one, you probably need one.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

@Vincent Paventa You may want to skip trace owners of rooming houses in your targeted area and call them directly, this would probably be your best source of sound advice.

I've probably spoken to 30 different lenders, some conventional, some hard money, some local banks and 20-25% is the minimum

Additionally, you probably have a good interest rate.