I appreciate the insight and the actionable next steps.

The cashflow should cove ALL of the expenses for the primary (mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc) AND put money in their pocket.

Seems more like criticism for the most part. 

I have enough down payment and can get a DSCR for the 4 plex, but would not be able to swing the other, even by itself. 

And yes, that’s half the type.They miss the other half, which is not only active investing, but in many ways mirrors equity investing more than traditional debt investing.

. - We run our own architecture firm and are exploring ways to access some of the equity we've built up to reinvest in another project without refinancing and losing our 3.25% rate, if that is even possible?   

Effectively no, otherwise everyone would do it and there would be no rent controlled buildings.If the property becomes vacant there are scenarios you can remove it from rent control. 

Moore welcome to the forums.

The problem with contractors generally is the lack of vision, their there to do whats code and nothing else.

Hi BiggerPocket community,This.is Michael, currently a partner of Coldwell Banker UAE.Just want to introduce myself to this community and proactively will be sharing more about investments in the real estate market here in Dubai.