Additionally, as for the bigger banks, I've found that US Bank seems to be the most flexible or investor friendly. 

You can make additional payments if you want, but you have the added flexibility to make just the scheduled payments and know what those payments will be for the life of the investment.

This gives you a flexible, heat-resistant base plate, ideal for sanding finishes off.

Downsides are - because they're permanent loans, not much flexibility on the prepayment penalty - you're looking at Greater of YM or 1.00% of UPB when you pay it off - typically the last 3 months of the loan term open at par.

Commercial is much more flexible.  

I live and invest in Austin and I would concur a duplex or multi-family property gives you the greatest flexibility AND is easy to flip to full investment property when you move out.

Less formal, well wouldn't...One way that could be "flexible" would be you and your wife form LLC, call it Rogers LLC. 

Its also flexible in that you need not apply it every year.

I've always had an interest in owning multiple properties and living a life of flexibility which I know this can offer.

Rates will be lower than what you have, with cash you will be flexible