My Experience with Upside Investments:As someone who prioritizes my time but recognizes the potential for wealth creation in real estate, the idea of traditional, hands-on investment wasn't ideal.

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.

Side notes here to keep in mind, the market is crazy right now and lenders are prioritizing home purchases vs. refinancing due to limited labor availability.

You can hire a PM after you buy, prioritize thorough market research and number crunching to see if the investment works.

By prioritizing open communication and clarity, we aim to deliver successful outcomes while building trust with our borrowers.If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, feel free to reach out.

I know this is not the popular opinion on BP, but this is the reality if you make investment decisions based on the metrics you are prioritizing. 

As an individual landlord, especially one managing remotely, it might be challenging to secure similar terms.Payment Trust: Vendors may also be hesitant to extend credit or prioritize someone they are unfamiliar with, particularly when the owner is based internationally and payment assurances are less certain.Real-Time Issues: Handling urgent maintenance or unexpected issues can be cumbersome without a local presence.

Do you prioritize multi-family properties, single-family homes with basement units, or another configuration?

Prioritize the properties as you will still pay some of the mortgages. 

If you're prioritizing the headache factor, having one tenant is always going to be easier than manage than two, but I think what's more important is that you're vetting your tenants thoroughly no matter what type of property you get.Good luck!