While that's certainly not ideal, my leverage was low to start with and my loan maturities were ten years so I have staying power to sell into a better market.Looking ahead, anything I'd buy would have to cash flow out of the gate in a higher-rate climate. 

Real- Estate  is a lot tougher game now because of technology now allowing buyers, sellers to access the market using the internet without using agents but  you do have hot areas that can support  more bodies .

You can use apps to scan receipts and keep expenses separated, and Amex even has that technology built in. 

So I would highly recommend leveraging your money and don’t pay off your primary.

Could be a higher rate, lower leverages, higher reserves, etc... varies by lender.Cheers!

Some sleep better at night with zero debt, while others love to use leverage and are willing to take on more risk.Community banks right now will go with 80% LTV.

Best bet is likely (not absolute - everyone's situation is different) is to look at a national lender or broker that has options in lots of states - its a great development versus 20 odd years ago, with technology, internet, places like this - can have access to many more options than before (local broker or lender thats it)

You don't want to be so focused on getting into the game that you leverage the start of your entire life just to do it.

LLC's are still the way to go but yes you can't tap into owner occupied mortgage tools such as HELOC's or high leverage.

Frankly I think too many people try and "automate" everything with technology that they complicate things so much that it is hard to manage.Remember you will get older folks staying and they might not want to try and use a tablet.I agree with Michael.