Costs will be higher initially, but this approach can save you a lot of fees over the life of the plan, and can be much more suitable for time sensitive or transactionally intense investment portfolios.Speak with more than one company of each type and you will learn who really knows what they are doing and provides good service.Best of luck as you learn about this exciting opportunity!

Renovations can recur more often than multi-families & are capital intensive.  

It is labor intensive but they can be quite profitable.

Once you get into small apartment complexes the financing changes to commercial financing which typically has adjustable rates after a certain time.I might be in the minority here but I also set a nice amount aside for my 401k to help be more diversified even though real estate is my first love. 

If the shot is off, adjust based how you missed and shoot again.

A multi-unit will provide more income, less risk of lost income (because of a higher number of tenants), and will be less labor intensive to manage (whole units vs room rents.)  

We all call it the "mystery" house, because no one can figure out why it would be sitting vacant for so long, without adjusting the price as necessary to sell?

For 2017, I am adjusting my thought process slightly...

Refinancing Your Mortgage: When It Makes SenseImportant considerations for when refinancing is a good financial move.Refinancing your mortgage can offer a way to take advantage of low interest rates -- or, if your mortgage payments have become oppressive, an escape from adjusting rates, increased payments, or reduced income.

@Carol Venolia Hopefully the firs storm misses you, but if it doesn't, the insurance adjuster will want you to show proof of what ever you lost.