If you’re looking at retrofitting to separate heating for each unit (like furnaces or mini-splits), you might be looking at a higher upfront cost, but it can shift utility expenses to tenants and improve your NOI.I’d factor in boiler age and efficiency when analyzing deals and if it’s near the end of its life, negotiate a price reduction or a credit.

When I said size doesn't matter as much I meant for STR you don't need massive rooms, larger common areas, etc.If you went MTR you might go further away from RTP and go for higher bedroom count, for less appreciation on average.NOTHING about this post is gospel.

Now purchasing a home with cash is always good b/c obviously cash is king but also I think the part you might've missed is that, the money your utilizing on these home's won't actually be yours, but the banks or whatever institution you used to fix the home or make its value worth more.

You need to work with a lender that will utilize STR 1007 Data and/or AirDNA Income on a REFI.Tough deal but we do this consistently.

Is there a way to utilize part of my Traditional IRA funds as a down payment on a SFH investment property without being penalized?

A lot of lenders used to apply 35% for expenses, but in the last several years, the numbers for supplies, labor, utilities, taxes, etc… have increased significantly.Also take into account the age, occupancy and how has the property been maintained, this will affect the expenses too

Did you have taxable income that could’ve been reduced utilizing tax strategies?

Is a shared bathroom common or should we add more?

I have also utilized owner financing for longer periods of time, including personal residence and 2 barrier island houses on the coast of Florida.  

I do pretty much like more SD than SA, but as you asked, the money that I have to invest it aint that much, goes between 30-40K to start and will be definitely for long term, as I said, I´m a beginner in this business in the US, as commons says I´m at the baby steps stage right now.