I am in the beginning stages of purchasing a multifamily home (Duplex/Triplex/Fourplex) in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and am torn between paying the 3.5% down payment and pulling all of my savings, or utilizing a down payment assistance program so I have a safety cushion for expected/unexpected expenses.I would love to hear back from the BiggerPockets community on this subject. 

It was located in let's just say a part of town that had safety issues.

Yes; my cash is doing nothing… but it’s an amazing safety net.

I don't think this is a code or safety requirement, but it will most likely affect the appraisal.

Do you know how to attract the different renter classes, unit mix, overall offering, etc.. to not overspend or underspend.Can you get supplies and labor in time to finish as required by your lender.You will most likely need to come up to current code for your area...Will you need security onsite to keep materials from being stolen, will they need to be armed (for their own safety) (different price points here).Have you talked to an Architect who does larger multi-family re floor plans, and etc...?

Will likely be tricky - Our underwriting guidelines for example (pretty much in line with most DSCR lenders) do not allow "Log Homes" and require:Constructed for year-round usePermanently affixed continuous heat sourceNo health or safety issues both internal or external

At this point I think I'm going to make my punch list prioritized, and whatever I don't get to by mid November, it is what it is.

Even if not required (and I'd be stunned if at least a smoke detector was not), I'd put them in just for safety reasons.

Mortagage lender I'm using hasn't had this happen before and suspects it will be flagged for safety.

I am 55 y/o and my husband is 50, so we are highly motivated to scale as quickly as possible adhering to wisdom and safety protocols.I am looking for some direction and guidance?