We are a DSCR lender who can get to those minimums, maybe a little lower. 

New York State.

Hello, we're in the Bay Area (which is too expensive for us to buy a home).

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

Every investor wants a 10% cap, but what, in your experience, is the current realistic cap for this retail chain purchase?

That is why you tend to see builders offering such a big "Builders Credit" it’s because it's "Ghost Money" it really doesn’t matter or exist to an extent.A builder can go into an area build 20-30 homes for example, buy the first 2-3 homes paying top dollar so they can set the market sales.

Hi Avishnay, I know Andres and his wife Luz personally and they are a great resource to have in the Jacksonville community! 

Hello, we are an Investor in a 260 unit older multi family complex in the Atlanta area.

Here's some guidance on buying your first investment property in Southern California or Columbus, Ohio:Down payment:For investment properties, lenders typically require 15-30% down payment on your first investment15% down is possible with excellent credit (700+ score)20-25% down is more common, especially for multi-unit propertiesSection 8 considerations:Pros:Guaranteed portion of rent from governmentPotential for longer-term tenantsMay be easier to fill vacancies in some areasCons:More paperwork and inspections requiredRent amounts set by local housing authorityPotential property damage concernsOther tips:Research local markets carefully - price trends, rental rates, etc.Factor in all costs - taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacanciesConsider starting with a single-family home or small multi-unitBuild a team - real estate agent, property manager, contractorsHave cash reserves beyond just the down paymentUnderstand landlord-tenant laws in your chosen locationI'd recommend talking to local real estate agents in both areas to get more specific market insights.

I've witnessed several "historic" buildings try the residential above and office/retail below and have major tenancy issues.