If you have credit card debts with high rates/high balances I would focus on paying it down to 15% to 30% Max balance to credit limit ratios to lower your DTI - Debt to income ratios, increase credit scores and be in a better position to buy more properties at a lower mortgage rate.

Bought it renovated, but in 5yrs not so new anymore as tenants lived it down.

He could put down 20% on a $300,000 house. 

This is my first public post and I'm hoping for some encouragement and insight into the decisions and direction I am heading...My family of 4 is moving next week out of our SFR in Milwaukee (between the airport and Bay View for those that are in the area) and moving to a duplex which we will live in it as a single family while our kids are growing up.

I was just hoping there was an alternative for them instead of a large tax bill if we went down that route. 

Many builders are offering great incentives right now for buying down your rate permanently, and/or paying some/all of your closing costs. 

@Sam ChicquenSam, little late to this but I’m an investor/agent based out of Tampa Florida.I like Tampa and the surrounding markets for its cash flow and appreciation potential.There are still a ton of mom and pop investors that own commercial multi (5+) and I’ve had some good luck connecting with these owners and purchasing from them.The last deal I did was a commercial off-market value-add multifamily and was able to secure seller financing.Downside is flood insurance has gone crazy down here and can really kill some deals.Happy to help you with your search.

My wifes house is nearly payed off and we are thinking of buying a new one and doing a live and flip while we rent out our current house... and meanwhile I am really trying to get all the info and contacts so I can pull the trigger on a deal once I find a good one and have the tools to take it down succesfully. 

They are currently in stage 3 of the development and are offering 10k incentives Builder and 2% Seller(towards buying down the interest or closing cost), home comes with warranty and appliances. 

It will give you an automatic head start, an amazing advantage.....