What benefits or uses does this have in comparison to calculating straight cash flow?

I do see over 8%, but that is typically only of a straight preferred with no upside beyond that. 

It is not always a straight forward question to answer but I wanted to put a basic idea together for investors so they can get a grasp of construction and what is involved.The first thing to note is what goes on that creates time.

Would it be more beneficial to start with a fix and flip, buy and hold, or straight into MF units ready to be rented out?

I am currently trying to save as much money as I can at the moment as I am still in school and doing internships in which the money I get is going straight to saving for the first property.  

I'm considering a straight no-cash-out refi on my primary, cutting my monthly payment by about $300.

Very basic info, but very important for a new owner to be straight on.  

From that point we would look for a more permanent residence to move into and transition to buying straight up rental properties by hopefully leveraging some of our equity.

I went straight to the gas and oil field afterwards and learned on the job and make 5x more than anyone I graduated with.

Finally I did get a hot deal but I ended up going straight to the listing agent instead of using my own agent.