Hello.I have two duplex units in the Cleveland, Ohio area with a market value of $445,000 with two different lenders, and I currently have aspirations of building a 5-unit townhome in the area.

However when refinancing I was not told until about a week before that closing that I couldn't ref Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

1. you're right in the new ones from developers don't produce any cashflow. you might want to look at the secondary market to get better yields as the properties are already built and can cashflow right away. also easier to see comparable rents in the same development. check bank repos, distressed sellers and the like. you might also want to get a parking slot for added income as they can be leased out separately. it's also quite difficult to sell without one should you decide down the road. developers usually have an in-house leasing team to handle property management which we use for some of our properties.  

Quote from @Kim Wells: Conventional loan, multi-family, and first time home buyer That's great info, there are a ton of lenders and investors here to help you through the process.

What is the loan to value (LTV) or mortgage balance compared to the assumed value? 

New build lender Lessons learned?

Talk to a lender or read some online material to learn how to do it quickly and wisely.

Here are some insights into loan types and potential programs that could be advantageous for your situation: FHA Loan,Conventional Loans with Low Down Payment,Local Bank Programs,Grants and Assistance Programs,When exploring loan options and assistance programs, it's important to compare the terms, eligibility requirements, and overall costs to find the best fit for your financial situation and goals.

I'm planning to move to the US from abroad this year and am on the lookout for some amazing people to join my journey.I'd like to connect with investor-friendly experts such as wholesalers, agents, contractors, and money lenders, or anyone who could be a potential business partner.

Our continued discussions and financial data to our lender brought us repeatedly “everything looks good for the renewal”.