We quote based on the estimated FICO score you provide so if done right with accurately submitted numbers (property income, expenses, taxes) then the actual credit pull on loan app is the only way a rate would differ from the quote and term that is rate locked for underwriting or if the loan app is submitted in a large enough time window in which rates could have changed (we're in a dynamic rate environment so by the day and the week rates fluctuate). 

I do not recommend pulling a home equity loan as a first time investor if you are buying a fixer-upper, the current rate environment is not favorable for rehab projects that run way past their scheduled timeline and you don't want to run into a situation where your family can't meet loan payments while your house is securing the loan. 

Seems like you know the answer and need confirmation (and I am typing this from a 3/2 beach block condo in Wildwood Crest.)At 25% down purchase, even renting 12-14 weeks you would negative cash flow $3-5k month when you consider the many layers of expenses and the current rate environment.

In today's building environment, a lot of markets don't have the necessary income for a 4-plex to support the cost of building a new one. 

Definitely a very humid environment, especially near the coast, so expect to deal with all of the issues that come with high humidity - termites, bugs, mold/mildew, wood rot, etc.

Hi Kevin,I'm a big fan of buying with cash and my thought process is quite contrary to everyone else's.Cash is KingCashflow is QueenLeverage can be a peasant lolOne can retire investing in Toledo with $1m in cash.Off-course, this all depends on how many villages you need to feed 🤓I have too many "villagers" on my back so it's a bit of a different story for me.Sub $100,000 markets like Toledo require volume to work and to be worth the risk if you are looking to buy and hold.Not much growth potential long term so I would consider it a strict cashflow play.Start slow and small and you can always scale up once you learn the market.Or call it quits and exit if you decide it's not for you.IMO, leverage should only be used to scale a portfolio and only after you have immersed yourself enough in a specific market.And only once you have decided that you want to stick around in that specific market and invest in it long term.Over the years, I've witnessed many folks use leverage and attempt BRRRR out of state only to fall short and say "the market sucks and it doesn't work".Nothing works unless you make it work and a market like Toledo can work better than any other market I know from a cashflow perspective.I've been investing since 2014 and flipped hundreds along with currently managing 400 SFH.Only this year have I started buying small multifamily properties.It's an adjustment and a different animal but let's just say it's in the same breed of animal lolImmerse yourself in a specific market and become an "expert" on the numbers in that market.Find off market deals, negotiate hard, buy with cash and buy quickly.You make money when you buy and not when you sell so you must buy cheap.There are many ways to skin a cat mate and this is how I get my fur lolWishing you much success

A lighter floor is going to create a more comfortable environment, but it will also create a more open environment as well.For walls, I would recommend using an off-white for the majority of the space, and adding in a light beige accent wall throughout the home.

The current market environment is such that your return can't possibly make up for the penalties and taxes you would pay. 

+1 for immersing yourself and finding a mentor/mentors.There is a wealth of info on here and a lot of knowledgeable people who would be willing to help.Other than a book purchase I would avoid any courses, as the info is readily available if you are willing to spend the time to parse it.Build a 1, 3 and 5 year plan and execute while remaining flexible.Good luck!

There is no point in buying a rate down in this environment, take no prepay or short prepay option, then refinance when rates drop, no need to spend the capital when it is clear we are headed down in the nearing future.