I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

You can't really go wrong either way; but you will make more money with the 16 unit. 

Do you have money to take care of the inevitable problems that will occur.

I have a stable and relatively high-paying job with savings and I’m ready to invest.

I would call some local leasing brokers in your area before you have any non-refundable earnest money to get an idea of the tenant demand for something like this and if you are new to retail leasing/investments I would highly recommend you hire one of those brokers to negotiate the lease for you.

It was intended as a fix and flip, and our original exit strategy was reached. we bought with hard money then did a refi to convential because repairs became drawn out and rented for some cf to by is time. we ended up selling for 405,000 and our loan balance was 235,000.

Check the fees, they could be saving you on rate and costing you today.

And they'd be able to use the additional depreciation to write off regular income and save about 5k on their taxes.So what is the real return on their 95k investment. 

I would just be nice and let them know you are still very interested in the home since you have invested money and time.

I did not consider it "cashflow" as i just saved it for capex/maintenance.