My question is whether it makes more sense to put 10% down so that I can have more liquid cash to use for stocks/bonds/HYSA or if it would be better to put 20% down to get more cash flow/lower mortgage.

The new tenant income will further strengthen my financial position.While selling the properties is not my preferred exit strategy, the quiet title process should be completed by July 2026, allowing for a potential sale if refinancing is not feasible.

A Real Real Estate AnalogyI am starting my real estate adventure and I am trying to draw a comparison from paper assets (stocks, bonds, notes, T-bills, crypto, etc.) with real estate.For those who know a bit more than me (and i know this will vary by person) but what are corresponding "tech stocks" (AMZN, AAPL, NVDA, FB, GOOG, etc.) of real estate?

In Gary Keller’s book, Shift, he lists 25 creative options that are most common, but barely scratch the surface:- Seller Contributions- Seller-Funded Permanent Buydown- Seller-Funded Temporary Buydown- Owner Financing- Contract For Deed- Seller Second Lease Option And Lease Purchase- Seller-Assisted Down Payment- Wraparound And Assumable Mortgage- Gift Funding- Selling And Refinancing Existing Assets- Non-Occupied Co-Borrowers- Using 401(K)- Temporary IRA Transfer- Pledged Asset Mortgage- Equity Transfer And Bridge Loan- Employer-Assisted Mortgage- Lender-Funded Buydown- Fannie Mae’s “My Community Mortgage”- Running Scenarios With Automated Underwriting Systems- Adjusting Amortization Period To Lower Payment- Adjusting Interest Rates To Cover Closing Costs- State, Province, And Local Grant Or Bond Programs- Mortgage Credit Certificate- Private LendingHe said these options barely scratch the surface.

Investors who purchase the bond-like mortgage backed securities are provided a prospectus in which the nature of the assets held in the portfolio must meet specific guidelines and specific vetting processes for ALL borrowers.

So in my mind those markets are long over due to finally get with the rest of the US on values strengthening etc.. its exciting to see the rebounds..

In most municipalities I've worked, you don't need a licensed plumber to repair a sanitary lead - but the contractor should be bonded and insured.

If it is small (say less than bond market) it is a strong indication that you will better off to sell and redeploy your capital.  

Put it in treasuries bills, high yield savings accounts, municipal bonds, or cds for a year.

I only consider licensed contractors but have found that most reasonably-priced contractors are not bonded or insured.