I'm not 100% committed either way between the income benefits of multifamily vs. the reduced headaches of SFH tenants.

Using your first property as collateral could help reduce the cash you need upfront, but it’s essential to weigh the risks and it's not really recommended specially if this will be your first.I recommend focusing on building reserves or seeking partnerships to fund flips.

1) cannot qualify for traditional financing2) fears appraisal will come in low3) fears buyer will back out so reduces contingency optionsnote for cash purchase I expect a significant discount.  

Per the mutual agreement between the Lessor and the Tenant, the Lessor has agreed to reduce the monthly rent from $3,200 to $3,100, allowing the Tenant to repaint portions of the house at their own expense.

Because this is the business we've built together, we enjoy working together, we each have roles that reduce the work load on the group and personally I like that the risk is spread out.

Personally I’d stick with SFR or at 4 units or less for preferred financing and to reduce risk of the exchange failing.

Lots of new supply now with reduced demand.

If you use Podio as it's designed to be used, it will streamline every thing you do--from managing leads, managing projects, reducing your internal email count, to making your internal communications more efficient because conversations (which otherwise might happen in email) happen "in context" -- of the client record in your CRM, the project, or whatever it is that you are discussing.  

A solid pre-screening of the contractor upfront that spells out the expectations should somewhat reduce or eliminate the question of one side bailing out on the other.

Always have an exit strategy in case refinancing takes longer than expected, such as optimizing rents or reducing expenses.