But when you are trying to compare how to spend money versus non-real estate alternatives like stocks and make sure the juice is worth the squeeze, IMO you want to do a proper underwriting. 

What will be the cost of THAT money compared with the cost of a refinance of your current home at today's interest rates - taking into account that you will be able to write off the mortgage interest for a rental on your Schedule E once you turn it into a rental?

From my experience, HD Supply Home Improvement Solutions was considerably inexpensive compared to anywhere, even Lowes and Home Depot.

@Carlos OlivaCash-out Refi:Pros:Fixed interest rate - providing stability in your paymentsLump sum payout - one-time lump sum, which can be beneficial if you have a specific investment or expense in mind.Lower interest rates - compared to HELOCs because they're first mortgagesCons:Closing costs - higher which can eat into your equityResets mortgage term - If you've already paid down a significant portion of principal.

Ask them if they can explain how they came to those numbers, so you have a clearer idea how your qualifications will change for less expensive property with lower rents compared to a more expensive property with higher rents. 

Even what municipality we are pulling the permit (Some are more difficult).The state of Florida has the toughest building codes in the country which can add to the difficulty here so I'm not trying to compare FL to other states!

Here are some pros and cons of each approach to help you decide:Paying Cash for One Home and Refinancing LaterPros:No Mortgage Payments: You won't have monthly mortgage payments initially, which can reduce financial stress.Equity: You own the home outright, giving you full equity which can be used for refinancing.Lower Costs: No interest payments and possibly lower closing costs compared to having a mortgage.Better Negotiation Power: Cash buyers often have more negotiating power and can close deals faster.Cons:Opportunity Cost: Your cash is tied up in one property, potentially limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities.Refinancing Risks: Future interest rates may be higher, making refinancing more expensive.Market Fluctuations: Property values might decrease, affecting the amount you can refinance.Buying Four Homes with 20% Down on EachPros:Diversification: Owning multiple properties diversifies your investment, reducing risk.Rental Income: Potential rental income from multiple properties can generate cash flow.Appreciation: You benefit from the appreciation of multiple properties.Leverage: Using mortgages allows you to leverage your investments, potentially increasing your return on investment.Cons:Higher Debt: You'll have multiple mortgage payments, increasing your debt and financial obligations.Management: Managing multiple properties can be more complex and time-consuming.Market Risks: Market downturns can affect all properties, amplifying risks.Cash Flow: If rental income is not enough to cover mortgage payments, you could face cash flow issues.Considerations:Financial Stability: Assess your current financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments and potential vacancies.Market Conditions: Consider current and projected real estate market conditions and interest rates.Investment Goals: Align your decision with your long-term investment goals and risk tolerance.Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.If you prioritize lower risk and less debt, paying cash for one home might be the better option.

Even if rates rise slightly, securing a historically low rate now offers financial stability and savings compared to past decades.

In hind site I would have performed underwriting for a tear down and compared the two but suspect I would have gone with same decision because my underwriting on rehab was so off.  

Its an amazing house that I got for a great price and it was in remarkable condition compared to others I saw in my price range.