My client had some things come up that prevented her from executing, but these were some of the options I had put together for her, a regional bank, a regional CU, and a national bank.Reminder that NOI sizes CRE debt, and that's often what determines the down payment requirement, not anything to do with the client or particular lender, just the property itself.

It's probably going to mean paying points at closing, a high rate, and a serious pre-payment penalty (like 5 years). 

I think it was for down payment and closing costs.

You'll likely need a higher down payment if you can find anyone willing to finance something like this as a first time investor; many require some level of rehab experience at the very least.

In those cases where a tenant suffered a minor setback and is back on track, if they are scheduled for a hearing before they're evicted they will often pay before that or when they see the notice on the door, but only if you file relatively soon.It really is good screening and filing quickly and consistently that minimize nasty non-payment issues in just about any kind of market. 

Our rates are 7-12%, with no down payment required.

Year 0: ($2,000 - $1,700) x (1 + 2%)^0 / (1 + 5%)^0 ≈ $300 in today’s buying power.Year 5: ($2,000 - $1,700) x (1 + 2%)^5 / (1 + 5%)^5 ≈ $260 in today’s buying power.Year 10: ($2,000 - $1,700) x (1 + 2%)^10 / (1 + 5%)^10 ≈ $225 in today’s buying power.Year 15: ($2,000 - $1,700) x (1 + 2%)^15 / (1 + 5%)^15 ≈ $194 in today’s buying power.So, if you purchase property in a city where rent increases at a slower pace than inflation, the amount of goods and services you can buy will decrease over time due to inflation.Here is what I recommend:Purchase in a city that possesses the following characteristics.Significant and sustained population growth.Rapid and sustained appreciationBalance negative cash flow, interest rate buydown, and increased down payment to create an acceptable cash flow situation today.Refinance when rates fall to increase cash flow.

Is LBYM long enough for a full down payment really worse than the stress on your family? 

You should have 25% down payment + closing costs, + an oh Sh*t fund on top of that. 

Generally speaking, with SFR or small multis, I just rely on the lease/rent roll (and some form of proof of payment; i.e. bank statements, deposit receipts, tax returns, etc.).