These are the key to getting a loan.  

I’d suggest negotiating the furniture into the sale and then slowly swapping pieces later as you personalize the space.

See if you can do an SBA loan at 10% versus a commercial loan at 25% downpayment.As far as investors:3. 

Curious thoughts on the following scenario.Current SFR with $51k loan at 8.125%, just purchased with around 10% built-in equity on the property, $250 monthly cashflow (post expenses).

I too live in Marin, and feel it is a solid long term market for apprecaition, and utilizing the power of principle reduction.When it comes to refinancing, figure out what the loan costs will be, then divide that buy the monthly savings with the new loan in order to determine how long you have to maintain that loan to break even. 

Real estate investment is my future.This amazing voyage begins with setting personal goals and vision.

A self-directed IRA or 401k can be a great vehicle for loaning money to others without getting hit with taxes on the interest income.

If you Bank/Lender does not allow it you can refinace the mortgage into a DSCR or true Portfolio loan program. 

Cosmo - I personally don't know Phoenix well, but if I had to do this in another city I would look at income levels, crime levels, and population growth (if you can) by zip code and/or area within a DMA as a starting point.

For context, I will be assuming his VA loan at 5.1% and he will be doing seller financing for the remaining equity and sale price.