Usually the properties are newer class A as they can't hold too much cash reserves for repairs as it creates too much of a cash drag and reduces IRR. 

This is is a very good area and would actually live in 1 unit, so 3-4k negative cash flow for living expenses is ok, as any house w mortgage would cost that.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tfbjOlyVsGW3nHLVPk_R...Key questions/assumptions:- Total for this deal in cash is 300k, anything else (reserves, renovation loan etc) would need to be a bridge loan or hard money- 1 unit is vacant and current rents are VERY under market, projected rent is what seller gave as realistic.

Face it, it costs money to run a government and provide services, and have reserve capacities on standby to do things.

Minimum credit score, down payment, closing costs, reserves? 

I'm thinking I should sell and reserve those funds for investments in stocks or even gold or a small business I can buy.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

That typically results in a higher payment and an open end mortgage (Credit card) versus cash in the bank that can act as an Asset and PITI reserves where a Heloc cannot.Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I enjoy helping and talking REI.

I'm thinking Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) and white windows, and it's fairly common and well reserved in our region.

I may even settle for one or 2 years negative but would not recommend this unless you have large reserves.  

If your short on cash or reserves you can always use a DPA program - Down Payment Assistance.