Are you referring to the green drywall?

If you are in a growth phase, that's a lot of time to eat on the front end of things.

Also, is using a mix of private and conventional a good strategy, or will this eat too much into cash flow?

@David Gonzalez that's definitely what I was thinking, as far as the personalities of roommates, someone eating someone else's food, etc haha.  

Having recently purchased a 60 yr old property in Minneapolis that was a bit neglected, I can attest that maintenance and the GC role can really eat your lunch.  

Another way to look at it is: does the property tax savings and better mortgage rate outweigh depreciation and repair right offs, etc.....Am i wanting my cake and to eat it too?

Here's what I consider cookie cutter-Gray walls with white trimHome Depot Cabinets with either the Home Depot Green or Brown Counter TopsBrown tile in the Bathroom with White CabinetsBrushed metal fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom...the funny part about all this, friends of mine were looking to buy their first house.  

That $20K down payment is now (on a cash-flow basis) literally costing you money and slowly eats away at that $30K that you didn't put down on the property.  

Of course step 1 for me because of my GREEN personality is to learn everything I can as quick as I can.. but what would you all suggest to do to get started as far as the actual action steps.. not just research.. 

@James Green really insightful, thanks so much!!