Yet no one seems interested in exploring those alternatives that would seem to less work or equipment, thus lower cost.

It's not hard- install aerators in sinks which don't have them(and install Water Sense faucets when replacing faucets, they'll use about 15% less water than regular faucets.)Then use low-flow shower heads(go for 1.75 gpm, anything lower will cause unhappy residents.)

Talk to a lender about refinancing they will be able to let you know what you qualify for, but you will probably be sacrificing a higher interest rate for lower overall payments.

or 75%, whichever is lower---- is wrong in delayed financing exception.Do you want to buy four houses and then stop?

The last option we have is to add $50K to the raise, which lowers returns, obviously, but not by a lot.

I originally was looking for the mythical 'structurally sound but killer deal because it has some broken windows and  hasn't been remodeled since the 1940s' type of place, but I've since lowered my standards to include properties with major foundation issues and the like.

@T.Yong Ling, you need to shop for a lower rate.

Some people strongly prefer to pay off their mortgage even though it doesn't make mathematical sense given that the loan rate (probably 2.75-5%) is much lower than what you should get in return on a good investment.

It will lower the loan amount and reduce the Mortgage payment.  

I've even thought about the idea of buying a lower value home and do a live-in flip.