Amazingly, they suddenly figure out that they happened to leave some spare rent money under the mattress or their rich uncle left them a bond they can cash out.

Context: I’ve been using MLS, realtors and wholesalers to seek out my first investment property (debt free outside existing mortgage, $100k cash saved, stable income), since my network is fairly new and limited as a green investor.

My PM used to use a software rentec, and rentec would give you a running tally of cash in/cash out across your whole portfolio. 

. - Lastly, if you are looking at real estate as a long term buy and hold strategy, you have to look beyond just cash flow.

Look for both cash flow and value add.4.  

Out of pocket cost to purchase (DP 20%): $135,200Monthly cash flow: $5,400 - $4,000 (mortgage) = $1,400Months to recover only DP: $135,200 / $1,400 = 84.5 It will take you about 8 years to recover your down payment.

If it's cash, then you need to write yourself a check. 

Above all, I met some great like minded people who genuinely cared for my success.

The same lender said if they could come up with the other 5% they can go 30 year fixed interest only..This is more attractive for cash flow on a higher loan balance but will still be qualified based on the fully amortized rate and payment. 

Ideally we would like to cash flow or at bare minimum break even.