That way you have access to your current equity and can strike on a deal as soon as you find it but you aren't paying down a new mortgage in a traditional sense. 

I’ve been listening and reading about Tom Wheelwright’s suggestion on cashing out on 401k/IRA and taking the penalties and investing it in real estate since new tax laws would be in favor of investors.With new tax laws (2017) and the many deductions (bonus depreciation and doing a Cost Segregation), would passive investors benefit by cashing out their previous employer's 401k or traditional IRA to invest in real estate?

Taxes is far easier and all that tracking we do is much more accurate and you really only need to check the uncategorized items every so often, of which there are not many after you get to use it more.The point is, it’s easier than it’s ever been but you only get to see that after paying a little and making it part of your habits.

Often times, for one reason or another, they don't want to deal with the inspection process most traditional lenders will require.

@Steve Hall The seller financing appeals to us because it would allow us to purchase with less than the 20% down of a traditional mortgage.

If rental income is just another line item on the calculation then I think I can come up with the number.The next related question is what overall DTI does a typical underwriter require for a loan on an investment property or does it even matter if the property is rented and I have a signed lease?

Top 4 things to consider when deciding if your rental is best as a corporate housing rental or traditional unfurnished rental.While corporate housing can be quite lucrative and make your property stand out in a sea of available rentals, it’s not the right strategy for everyone.

There are fix and flip products offered by non traditional lenders and you can also refi out at around 65% of the ARV The lenders will have requirements that need to be met such as a US bank account where the funds will be coming from to close and some may also want to see you own at least one other property in the states, but keep shopping around 

It's a pain to get done - but allows you to get a traditional loan.  

Would it be considered a traditional refinancing or a cash out refinance since portfolio loan is not technically a fannie mae mortgage?