., and want to expand (meaning the new (in the future) investment returns more than 7.35 percent), consider paying down your most expensive mortgage now, and arranging a portfolio second mortgage (or even first) on all of your current properties to tap the equity in them for your next acquisition.  

@Nicholas BetancourtYes, a separate bank and separate credit and debit cards will help with tracking income and expenses and will help with tax return preparation. 

They aren’t expensive to file.  

This is why the cashflow is lower than normal this year.

I highly suggest that you find your buyer first, know what they are willing to pay for it, then negotiate with the seller to a lower price. 

It is also more common in less expensive areas.   

The risk your seeing now in sub 2 which gets talked about a lot is paying market or more simply because you want a lower interest rate.. these are highly risky transactions for long term holds for a number of reasons.

Lower insurance payment = more cashflow! 

It's better to do a cash out refinance while it is still your primary home to get the lower rate.If you wait to refinance the rate will be higher when you move out because it will be classified as an investment property.

Chicago is MIXED BAG of general contractors and architects PLEASE be sure not to rush or use the cheap guys...one of my favorite sayings (that I have learned the hard way):"BEING CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE"