There's some math to it, it's simple math, but once we get that math down then we know how to offer on a property and structure the transaction. 

I have tried lowering the price and advertising and only a couple bites with nothing substantial.

Your insurance premium (which you can get a quote for free in a few minutes or search the avg. insurance rates in an area), may be higher or lower depending on your location.

This shows why percentage makes no sense as the smaller property will have the lower maintenance/cap ex because it is smaller and likely will have tenant that takes better care of the unit  In your case you will have 2 kitchens, 2 furnaces, 2 water heaters, twice as many bathrooms, etc.

Our Initial plan was to renovate the lower unit, while we have the tenant upstairs and then renovate the top and live and occupy for a year-or two and then rent the top out and buy our next property.

Key takeaway: Don't expect lower interest rates soon, but real estate activity could pick up later in the year.Inflation came in higher than expected, delaying rate cuts likely until mid-2024.What does this mean?

What is the point of refinancing out to a higher amount for a higher mortgage if original purchase price has a lower mortgage?

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

They are setting the tone for future transactions.

I enlisted in the Army at 18 to get citizenship with a 3 yrs contract... there was no money in the military back in the 90s.We now live in a dilapidated looking house in a lower middle class neighborhood (by choice).