And you’ll probably need to build in some cushion, etc.

This is very sound advice and a great idea especially for newer flippers as you developed a cushion in the event you go over budget.

Have fun playing with numbers but always include some cushion into your numbers. 

Knowing that banks do not allow homeowners to escrow once the mortgage is paid up (or if there's no mortgage to begin with) is a huge gap and leads to a lot of people either missing tax payments or sticker shock when the payments are due (since most people generally do not know how to save appropriately).The idea for my product would give people the same convenience as a traditional bank escrow account, with certain added benefits including: - higher offered interest rates (as opposed to close to 0 with traditional servicers)- lower 'cushion' needed (meaning, less cash sitting in the account)- ability to use multiple modes of payment (e.g., credit card, crypto, etc)- ability to use the account as a general savings account with high yield as an optionHoping to get some input/feedback.

I recommend matching your funding terms with your property strategy (with a cushion for a potential economic downturn or changing rate environment during the loan term). 

Save until you have enough for a down payment and a cushion for major repairs(furnace, roof, etc).

It's a comforting feeling to have a cushion instead of banging your head against the wall because you spent too much money up front or pulled too much out.

Your family member is looking at a 2nd mortgage (if that) with 0% equity behind it as a cushion and with 0 principal reduction until payoff.  

Leave yourself a cushion, though, unless you've got other liquid funds to carry you 6 months, including your new properties.

Make sure you have enough to leave yourself a cushion in case your car breaks down or you find something unexpected with the house.