I also diversify into alternative real estate, like self-storage, to stay ahead of emerging trends.I’ve learned valuable lessons over the years, particularly the importance of clear communication and aligning expectations in partnerships.

We spend far too little time looking for small multi-family deals in this area for the reasons you listed although we would look closely at an off-market (perhaps owner financed deal).

I'm an active duty military member and our family has been moving around the country for the past 20 years so we're excited to begin buying some places we can hold onto.

You need those cash reserves as an emergency fund that makes your life better and less stressful.

A cash-out refi could allow you to set aside some funds as a reserve or at least pay down your debts so that your lines of credit (credit cards etc) can act as your emergency reserve when more bad things happen. 

Real estate investmnets are capital intensive and if you don't have extra money sitting around to make the emergency repair when it happens you'll find yourself in a terrible position. 

Each one of those things can make or break an approval and the end goal of cash flow.Feel free to reach out I enjoy helping and those states are where I focus as well as my friends, family and my customers/investors.

So, go with a good solution on the deadbolt.Screw a lockbox in a wall near the door for an emergency physical key.Find a locksmith that can rekey the doors between tenants - put ALL locks on the same key.Most electronic locks warn you when the battery is getting low.

While our stories vary slightly, a clear pattern emerged. 

It's a Single Family property, that some genius divided into 3 units. 3 small units.