Every Trick I could pull out of my hat.

Yes, you heard that correctly.So go get that 20K loan, then once the property is done, refi at 100% LTV to pay off both loans, plus pull whatever cash out you can, and now you have another down payment to house hack the next property.Sounds like you are working with the wrong lenders and talking to the wrong people. 

I started a Partnership with some friends and relatives who mainly are Stock Market Investors.The purpose of the Partnership, in this case an LLC, was to purchase a $1.5 Million 3 Family in Brooklyn, All Cash.3 months ago I told everyone to pull out their cash in the Stock Market.They completed their stock sales a few weeks ahead of the Market falling off the cliff.I then closed on the 3 Family at a very good Price, collected a $40k buyer's commission as I am also the Buyer Broker, and just finished renting the 3 Units, signing the last apt lease in a few days, getting approximately $6k per month in Cash Flow for the 1st year.Not only that, I am securing an Investment HELOC at a 50% LTV, so roughly $750k, which I can use to investing in the Stock Market.I had already anticipated the fall of the Market as the inevitable Corporate Tax breaks had to wear off eventually.There just isn't enough consumers that benefited, in my opinion, therefore Corporate Revenues cannot increase and profits has to either stabilize as the max Corporate Tax breaks levels off.Really, only one way to go.I am anticipating the decline to last for a while.As an Trader, however, I will eventually buy long term growth stocks but also hedge it with PUTs in case I get in a bit too early.My friends and relatives are ecstatic as they probably saved a decline in their net worth by as much as a $1 Million.BTW, there is an old saying, "It is easier to make the 1st Million than it is to keep the 1st Million."

At the time, I had no idea how to set up a system for long-distance investing so never pulled the trigger.Now that I live in the Midwest, I am interested in building a real estate portfolio to help with retirement and to leave a legacy for my kids.

Be sure that they're insured and that they'll pull permits for all work done.I'd also be curious as to how far off the other quotes were. 

As I am now retired and have a very low earned income, I am pulling the property out now when tax rates are low, especially on my lower income. 

i know i am not pulling out all the equity i would have acquired but i feel this makes more sense.

So to determine if it is worth your time, look at the price difference between duplex and triplex sales in that area, preferably within the last 90 days.You will have to pull permits to convert it to a triplex, but it can be done.

that was a rocket ship.. 180 knots true..but pull the power and it drops like a stone  .Me Cirrus Sr 22.. but semi retired from flying these days but flew that thing all over the US> 

pulled carpet, refinished floor. completely redid kitchen. paint inside and out. sod in front, cleaned and seeded back What was the outcome?