If you are purchasing only investment properties consider looking into Associated Bank, Educators and TruStone, because they are local they may have lower down payment requirements. 15-20%On the Refi Rates there shouldn't be too much change in your repayment amount, if we are only changing percentage on a 150k with 25% down 3%, and we change to 4% and everything else the same mortgage goes up about $60 a monthAdditionally, your first duplex in 2020 you have lived there over a year so you can get a low down payment and low interest rate loan on an owner occupied 2-4 unit whether that is through an in house bank/credit union product or the FHA programIm open to any questions you may have.

Depending on product type and quality, you are likely looking at 8-10+ cap rates in these areas. 

If this appeals to you and you do have some successful teams in your area, approach them from the standpoint of the benefit you can bring to their team, such as increasing their annual sales production through your direct connection to military families and veterans as homebuyers, military relocations, etc.

Anybody have used any of his products?

Make sure you check out all that this site has to offer for you.Discounts on some products and services are offered to BP members: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/pro

Couple alternative options....check out Freddie's ChoiceRenovation product.

I die, leaving millions in medical bills declined by my insurance company).

Homes in the area seem to be on the decline in value.

All markets you list will still be cities with populations forever, and your exit will be to a resident in that market, so population growth/decline, employment drivers, etc are of less concern relative to a large, institutional sized apartment complex.  

My career for 13 years has been in debt capital markets, specifically Structured Products (distressed mortgage backed securities, CLOs, CDOs).