So I'm debating what would be the best way to go in between these two for someone that is starting like me?

this is a highly debated subject on BP.. 

I'm debating whether or not to file an extension for my 2012 taxes in the hope that a prospective lender will then ask to see my 2010 and/or 2011 tax returns instead.

I've carpeted the bedrooms but the living room and hall i am debating about refinishing the hardwood or putting down laminate floors on top of them.

I am in the same situation but in Korea for a couple years debating if i should do something long distance or wait till i get back

The idea is to get the equity in the house to work for me, and I am debating how to get the cash out.

I am debating selling them and using the money via a 1031 to buy property closer to home (which is more expensive) or just keeping them forever.

Disclaimer: My intention is not to pick on or debate with anyone about any of my points.

I found a 4plex in MPLS, MN that would cashflow $25-75.00 per month(depending on slight variations in the numbers I've ran(which I've ran 5 times)) with me living in one unit.  I would house hack and use a VA loan to ...

For example:X% of gross cash flowX months of operating expenses$X per square feetFor me, I was debating 6 months of operating expenses (mortgage, property taxes, all operating cost, etc), but I didn't have a "why" so was unsure how other investors planned for it.