The next steps we took:Found a couple of groups to network with (local and out of State)Found a group to play Kiyosaki's cash flow- learned through the game & created some relationshipsFound a few lenders (Hard Money,Private and Banking) I only used the bank for my first multifamily that I lived in.

(in other words there is a gamble to it).Will it bring more rent--probably not--unless it's dated (pink tile, 1950's sink, 1980's cabinets, etc...)Here are some pics of bathrooms from Apartment complexes.

- Are there any “tricks” they can play to raise payments indirectly, for example: Is the escrow mandatory for the life of the loan, and if yes, can they somehow manipulate that to increase the payments they can benefit from?

If the latter, perhaps you can break up the cash out plays and incrementally shift the equity into new deals.

I think it's mostly an appreciation play if you can even cash flow anything.

It's absolutely a gamble to assume prices will go down and a costly gamble if you do not get in the market. 

Option 4: Keep grinding and playing it out slow to continue to save funds and potentially use one of the strategies above in the next 3-6 months. 

That said, the size and condition of the facility as well as the size and health of the market will come into play. 

@Dmitry Rockman Panama City has been great, with big plays for appreciation as well.

I want to be involved in the process and do the work myself and see how it plays out.