Maybe flip a property or two to build up some cash reserves, or partner with someone.There's also a bit to be said about not over leveraging.

Live there for several years, build up your funds.  

I keep $10k in my operating account and let it build up as cash flow comes in.

Our plan was to pay off our loans as fast as we can, start a corporation to mitigate risk and start a joint savings account where we do 50/50 contributions to build up cash to invest. 

I suggest you build up your cash reserves to be two months ahead on the mortgage, be cool with the tenants, they will reward you for it.

Or should I do the work now with hopes my refi comes back more, but have to put more money into the place up front before I have a chance to build up the capital from this property?

The reason they will deny is because they'll see that I'm trying to build up a rental unit "empire" and they won't finance it.I really appreciate your thoughts.

Im interested in getting into real estate but there several obstacles that are slowing me down im thinking about doing some whole selling to build up enough for a downpayment for my first house i want it to be great to rent out rooms, but my problem is not knowing where to go from here i found a house i want to flip, but where do i find a buyer or investor... does anyone know of a way to help?

Not sure if this is most appropriate forum, but here we go:In my analysis, I deduct 25% from gross rent to account for repair and maintenance, Capex, and vacancy, and to build up reserves. 

How long does it take to build up a client list?