I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

@Duarte MarquesPossibly but highly not recommendedFor those with no real estate experience or experience in taking on debt, it’s not easyTo do it also with little to no down payment or reserves in most occasions will end in disasterReminds me of when in high school a friend used to let his dog drive his car.

To avoid issues, hold the property in the trust for a year, ensure the LLC is properly structured, and consult a CPA or 1031 exchange expert to confirm compliance with state and federal tax laws.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I’d recommend saving that $295 cash flow for some amount of time until you have considerable cash reserves saved up.

And there is a constant mention of Guaranteed returns there is no Guarantee unless its the federal govmit on 250k or less FDIC insured .. this was simply investor greed.. investors did not understand what they were investing in what the risks were and were blinded by the returns offered.. no one put a gun to their head.. investor make bad investments all the time..  

As you look to scale, just make sure to hold/build reserves for when repairs come up and take your time screening tenants as you will find a vacant unit is much less stressful than dealing with a bad tenant.

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

If you have a road maintained by the HOA then set aside for that in reserves. 

They develop, they build, they finance, they property manage, they will have HAO, cleaning crew etc. etc. etc. so the subsidiary companies make money every step of the way.From investor perspective: The investor pay $15 K to reserve the right to purchase 25 multiplex over the year of next 5 years. 5 each year.

Unfortunately, while there are other methods to acquire investment properties, the reality is you need cash and reserves to plan and set up your investment portfolio accordingly.