Only do that though if you can pay it off or get close to paying it off within a couple of years before the interest rate changes. 

They sell a 4 unit for close to 1 million dollars close to Jacksonville. they want 250k or 300k down. there's no upside. you can google the properties on biggerpockets and there isn't a lot of satisfaction. it's a slow return and get rich slow strategy. our focus is always as a builder to add maximum value, lower cost as low as possible, build and rent and build and sell the same product and raise prices to help investors out. we have a large market share and large purchasing power in our market in columbus ohio. the one strategy I never liked about turnkey new build brokerage companies like them and build2rent or others is they don't really build close to urban centers and most are single family homes. the numbers don't work on single family homes. if single family was the way to go more companies would be doing it. but by far the most common type of new construction built is three story walk up apartments.

(For example, IF I was able to purchase the first home (multi-family) outright, paid-in-full, then use a HELOC to pay for the down payment and closing costs for the second home, would that be a smarter approach?)

That buyer didn't close and they came back to me and offered $197,000 price. 

Let us know numbers now or when the deal closes.

I recently closed on a commercial condo unit (for retail), which is one unit in a building that also has 7 apartments. 

@Bryce Nurding Rates are close to a 2 year low.

We sold to an attorney who provided a retail-cash offer and quick close, relocating to the area.

.): ~$1600Savings available: ~15-20% of the purchase priceCash to close: ~$34kRehab estimate: ~$34kRemaining reserves: ~$20-25kTo fully fund the rehab, I’d need to come up with an additional ~$15k in the short term, which I anticipate paying back quickly once the rental portion is generating income.

Knoxville isn't a luxury market. widen the gap and do new construction. find infill plots of land in better locations and have more control. work closely with a builder who Is working with investors. we have flippers who did hundreds of flips then they graduate to new builds and say it's much easier. if you have the balance sheet you'll be fine. budget 20%. new construction commands a 20% premium and is much easier to duplicate Over and over and much less risk.