Is the higher price agent inflating to get the listing or is the lower price agent just not keyed in well enough in the specific neighborhood?

Hi Ken, I would say in the vast majority putting down 25% on an investment property is the safest way but there are ways to put a lower down payment and sometimes little to no money out of pocket. 

As you know, marketing and price are both very important, and vacancy will significantly impact your income, so you are almost always better off charging a lower price and getting it filled with a good tenant.  

Taxes are half the cost compared to CA and insurance is lower if not by the water.

New construction in a saturated market isn’t always the best play if you’re looking for steady returns.A place like Rochester has way better fundamentals—lower buy-in, strong rent-to-price ratios, and stable demand from universities, hospitals, and major employers.

One of the things I'm trying to figure out is if I'm better off getting a few lower cost properties or on higher priced property. 

Getting the lower unit separately metered seems like a pain.

I paid about $1500 in closing costs between title, appraisal, etc, but the original loan was wiped out in favor of a new lower rate. 

Even in a lower priced investment property, like a small SFR, what does the investor without a contingency fund do when say the ac or a furnace need replacement?  

To transition to multi-family properties, research landlord-friendly states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Indiana with favorable eviction laws, lower taxes, and higher rental demand.