Here are some considerations for each option:Option 1: Using the HELOC for a down payment and renovation on a second property to rent:Pros:You can leverage your existing property to acquire another investment property without selling your current home.Rental properties can provide a steady income stream and potential long-term appreciation.You can use the HELOC funds for renovation, which can increase the property value and rental income.Cons:You'll have to manage the property yourself or hire a property manager, which can be time-consuming and add to your expenses.There is a risk of vacancies or unexpected maintenance costs, which could impact your cash flow.You'll have to pay back the HELOC, which will increase your monthly expenses.Option 2: Building a new house in a new community and selling it for a profit:Pros:You can potentially make a significant profit if the market is favorable and the property value increases during the construction period.Building a new house allows you to customize the property and potentially attract more buyers or higher rents.Cons:This strategy involves a higher level of risk, as you're betting on the market to appreciate in a relatively short period.There are many unknowns and potential delays in the construction process, which could impact your timeline and profitability.You'll need to have a good understanding of the local real estate market and construction costs to ensure that your project is profitable.Before choosing either of these strategies, consider the following:Research the local market conditions in Chandler, Arizona, to understand the current demand for rental properties and new construction homes.Consult with a real estate agent or investment advisor who has experience in the local market to get their insights on the best strategy for your situation.Evaluate your financial situation, including your income, expenses, and risk tolerance, to determine if either strategy aligns with your goals and financial capacity.Consider the tax implications of each option, as this can impact your overall profitability.Create a detailed financial plan for each option, including projected income, expenses, and potential risks, to help you make an informed decision.Ultimately, the best strategy for you will depend on your unique situation and goals.

All my purchases are about the 80k price point (including rehab) and rent for 1200-1300/month.

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 = 1.23DSCR lenders generally let you vest either individually or as an LLC.

If that scenario doesn’t include financial suicide, bankruptcy, death, or something similar, then knowing that I’ll be ok in the worst situation helps with pulling the trigger. 

Examine your alternatives for financing, including low-down payment conventional loans and FHA loans.

There are also some really great resources for anyone starting out with some local groups such as AZREIA where we have monthly meetings and some great subgroups, including a new investor subgroup. 

This includes the people on this board.Cash flow is merely a function of your downpayment, so to say it's not attainable is wrong.

One could also base it on an independent appraisers report or other basis that can be reasonably justified. 

If it is tied to the home, you have a few options:1) include electricity in the rent (down side with that is tenants may be less diligent with electricity use and increase the bill)2) have the tenant pay it and include a copy of the statement every 1-2 months to show that it is paid in full.3) have the bill in your name and send a copy to the tenant each month (or whatever the billing cycle is) and they can add the balance to their rent each month. 

Front unit i think market price is around 1600-1700, but i am planning for 1500-1550 to gain advantage on rentingit's a popular rental area in trending neighborhood, so it has a lot rental on the market and a lot investorfirst regret is i think my offer was too high, i offered asking price at 224k which with my 10k deposit and no inspection (i did had a long term contractor go take a look with me) i can likely get the house for cheaper, it went from 300k to now 224k from last year, so 8 month on market, i could get it for maybe 200k or 210k insteadOriginally i planned to have some minor interior update include few windows, which i am estimating around 3k, but noticing the 3rd floor shingle siding was aging and looks like just matter of time, so i had to replace 2 more exterior siding that need scaffolding, long story short, my repair cost went from 3k to around 8-9kmy dscr loan is 7.625% 30 years, my monthly would be $1577 PITI + water (say $230), compare to my expected rent of $2430, so $623 remaining each monthsome concerns are1. it's flat roof and it's just matter of time for me to replace2. i know this market is always trending, a lot tenants and a lot rentals, so it's competitive but popular, i dont know what to feel about it, i have other rental in the city, just not this specific neighborhood3. since there's so many investor in the area, why no one bought it for the price, it was once lowered to 256k before it go down to 224k. when the market was hot, i think 324k would easily sold, but obviously it didnt as that's what they listed in 2023 summer4. unit was managed by management company, last lease on front unit was from June 2022-June2023 rented for $1700, then they later put for sale for 324kon one hand i think the number works, but on the other hand, i keep have this feeling i wanted to back out of the offer, i think also due to my saving would be down to 20k after closing and all the repairs made, which i normally wanted to have at least 30k in bank, also the extra siding job got me scared a bit, and roof that need to be replaced in futureif i back out now, i am going to be losing 10k + inspection 800, so that's close to 11k lostWhat's your take on this, i would hate to lose 11k without any valid reason and just scared myself out of this deal, but honestly i am having some hard time looking forward to this purchase.