That means you're paying $42k in cash and financing $108k, which will bring down your COC return and mean your tenants are paying off less of your investment, which is one of the primary benefits of leverage.Generally speaking, I would say this may be a red flag, but that depends a lot on how the provider handles it.

But, I still believe there are far more benefits with multifamily.

As a tax-sheltered vehicle, however, there are strict rules against self-dealing or personal benefit. 

I'd love to grab lunch and discuss how we can benefit each other. 

It's more complicated, and I don't really see much of a benefit.  

One benefit I have seen to a HELOC is that you can set your direct deposit up to deposit into the HELOC and use it as your checking account perse, and naturally, you can pay off more, and faster.

You’ll realize the positive cash flow benefits of rental real estate and on your next venture you can dip your feet further in buying yourself.

Also, keep in mind, there are great benefits as an investor of income properties, you can write off, depreciation costs, and if, it doesn't rent, you write that off as well.

Sounds like if the eviction process becomes more costly and difficult, that would wipe out any positive benefit from collecting the option fee or having increased rents or whatever.

Obviously, I'd need to hire a property manager if I went this route, but I'm curious to hear the challenges, or benefits, that come with long distance investments.3) Is "retiring" and living off your rental portfolio a realistic goal?