Closed on my first property today, in fact!

Also get sellers credit to not have to pay as much closing cost! 

They then decide if they are willing to list with the agent.If you have substantial capital and can close quickly, with cash, no inspection you might be able to do what you are suggesting.But a bank is incentivized to get as much as they can, with the least amount of hassle and they will believe their real estate agent before they believe you on numbers, closing time, availability of funds.

They provide a ready-to-assemble cabinet, but it comes with all the bells and whistles:Plywood ConstructionSoft close drawersGlazed FinishesIt really is a nice, high-end looking cabinet and assembly is fairly easy.  

I was unable to find tenants because covid hit and I closed 2 days before everything went into lockdown. 

Here are some pros and cons of each approach to help you decide:Paying Cash for One Home and Refinancing LaterPros:No Mortgage Payments: You won't have monthly mortgage payments initially, which can reduce financial stress.Equity: You own the home outright, giving you full equity which can be used for refinancing.Lower Costs: No interest payments and possibly lower closing costs compared to having a mortgage.Better Negotiation Power: Cash buyers often have more negotiating power and can close deals faster.Cons:Opportunity Cost: Your cash is tied up in one property, potentially limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities.Refinancing Risks: Future interest rates may be higher, making refinancing more expensive.Market Fluctuations: Property values might decrease, affecting the amount you can refinance.Buying Four Homes with 20% Down on EachPros:Diversification: Owning multiple properties diversifies your investment, reducing risk.Rental Income: Potential rental income from multiple properties can generate cash flow.Appreciation: You benefit from the appreciation of multiple properties.Leverage: Using mortgages allows you to leverage your investments, potentially increasing your return on investment.Cons:Higher Debt: You'll have multiple mortgage payments, increasing your debt and financial obligations.Management: Managing multiple properties can be more complex and time-consuming.Market Risks: Market downturns can affect all properties, amplifying risks.Cash Flow: If rental income is not enough to cover mortgage payments, you could face cash flow issues.Considerations:Financial Stability: Assess your current financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments and potential vacancies.Market Conditions: Consider current and projected real estate market conditions and interest rates.Investment Goals: Align your decision with your long-term investment goals and risk tolerance.Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.If you prioritize lower risk and less debt, paying cash for one home might be the better option.

So in the words of Ned Carey and my favorite post response of all time; "It depends".So first let's start with it will probably take you 4-6 months to research, find, get qualified, get an accepted offer and close on a property.

A lot of new/updated electrical was required, but we chose to have all new electrical because so much was necessary and there would never be easier access.So I have new plumbing and new electrical, but have never been further over budget on any of our rehabs (not even close to this over budget on anything previous) and we have done quite a few rehabs (enough that I never expected to be this over budget).  

I invest in the SW suburbs like Berwyn or Lyons, because they are close by and I know the areas.

When she vacations, we just close the office with a sign on the door having folks call.