But that's really not an apple's to apple's comparison.But at the early stages of your business in my opinion, you should not be thinking about quitting your day job right now.

But I am sure I am preaching to the choir.Personally I have used Google Docs and Keynote (Apple's equivalent to Powerpoint) with success.

If you setup a spreadsheet for two scenarios, a sfr vs a mfu 5+,  you can prove to yourself that the loan rate is not a significant difference between the two choices - - just be sure you're  apples to apples:same purchase priceuse at least an ltv of 75% on bothwhile the commercial loan will be an arm, ignore that and compare fixed 30yr any rate you please.use the same rents and expenses at 30% of the rentsThe cash flow will be very, very similar. 

Big Box lenders (and  some little box ones too) now play the change of circumstance game to have another whack at the fees apple.  

The average rental agent is going to shoot some iPhone photos, write Nice 3 bedroom 2 bathroom ranch house ready for occupancy. and wait to collect their 1/2 month commission when the tenants agent brings the renter.

When you are getting estimates for cost seg, be sure you are comparing apples with apples.

I'd also recommend calling a few because quotes can vary but make sure you are comparing apples to apples on coverage.  

You will be at a huge disadvantage if you compare a Texas property numbers to a NJ property numbers because they won't be apples to apples.I understand that coming from CA almost anywhere in the country seems like a better market but remember that cheap doesn't always mean good deal!

@Steven Torrez, Comparing your 401k returns with real estate returns may be like comparing apples to oranges. 401k returns are very passive with little input from you.Real estate returns can be alot better or worse depending on your strategy,talent,leverage, and level of involvement.REI can also be as active or passive as you want.As for your question about borrowing from it to get started and avoiding PMI costs, that makes total sense to me.Last year I converted my 401K to a self directed Solo 401K, and it has worked out very well.

With that many people calling themselves a Realtor, you're bound to find a bad apple or two...