The dumb answer is making knee jerk decisions and thinking the deal plays out.

For me the equity is a bigger deal, as the long term financing limit of 75% LTV for 2-4 unit play a big roll how much trapped cash I have in the property.

Trevonte, previous experience in real estate investing does play a factor in the lender you work with and the terms you may receive.

I think the safest play is the C to B markets as in a recession like economy, A tenants will fall to B and B will fall to C.

Personally, I'd BRRR for the long term play...

Ok, so playing devils advocate (I've always believed in low LTV for safety), and out of curiosity; If you only lose money when you sell and make when you buy, and I have no plans on selling during the downs of the up and down cycles, and if my cash flow is unaffected / unrelated to market value swings, and I keep more money in reserve should I over leverage and push LTV to say 95% - is this a bad thing?

Strategy also plays a part in this (i.e.

I'm looking to add an appreciation play into my portfolio and I believe my competitive advantage is in Kitchener/Waterloo where I did my undergrad.

Hey @Mike Palmer,The East Coast of Central Florida is great for retirees who are planing in playing gulf and go to the beach. 

It almost allows for a "forced" appreciation play by just getting signatures at the City.