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

The properties are either one street down from each other or are 2-4 buildings next door.Property #1 (Currently live in with my family and I)Purchase Date May 2021Mortgage Balance: $117,898Rate: 3.625%Mortgage payment including escrow: $870.51Purchase Price: $143,000Tax: $3,308Estimate to sell in today's market: $190,000- $210,000 based on current sales in the market this yearHOA: $110 monthly includes Water and building insurance and other maintenance for the propertyProperty #2:Purchase Date:: April 2022Mortgage Balance: $135,756Rate: 4.625%Mortgage payment including escrow: $1,375 (payment normally $1,059 but payment increased due to low balance on escrow because of tax increases)Purchase Price: $148,000Tax:  $4,578Estimate to sell in today's market: $190,000- $210,000 based on current sales in the market this yearHOA: $100 monthly includes Water and building insurance and other maintenance for the propertyRent: $1,400 a month only water is included in rentProperty #3:Purchase Date:: February 2023Mortgage Balance: $118,518Rate: 5.99%Mortgage payment including escrow: $1,315 (taxes have gone up for this property as well)Purchase Price: $132,000Tax: $4,522Estimate to sell in today's market: $190,000- $210,000 based on current sales in the market this yearHOA: $100 monthly includes Water and building insurance and other maintenance for the propertyRent: $1,400 a month only water is included in rentProperty #4: (We were thinking of selling this and take profits but not sure to be honest)Purchase Date:: February 2024Mortgage Balance: $139,408Rate: 6.75%Mortgage payment including escrow: $1,332Purchase Price: $147,000Tax: $4,130Estimate to sell in today's market: $190,000- $210,000 based on current sales in the market this yearHOA: $100 monthly includes Water and building insurance and other maintenance for the propertyRent: $1,350 a month only water is included in rent

I drive a 95 nissan pick-up, Paid for, good milege Why spend 50k on a fancy car that will go down in value ( not counting collector vehicles) I would rather spent 50k on a down payment on more real estate for more cash flow

Looking for 5-10% down.

Currently, I have my primary home loan, then a HELOC that has over $200K capacity ($50K balance remaining on it, but should be paid down in the next 3-4 months), so $155K or so available to draw on my HELOC at about 12%.  

She's been renting it for $2,800/month and the condo has a $600 monthly HOA.I want to offer her $350,000 for the condo (its a fair price for it), 5% down payment ($17,500) and pay her monthly $2,000 for 3 years, after which I would refinance and pay her out.

Where I am going with all this is, have you looked into low down payment options that you all may be able to qualify for and afford without having to use an additional financial instrument on the rental property?

I keep hearing how rental prices are going down but I do not see it when I casually look at the rental properties. 

House was fine - really no cap ex expenses for several years.  20% down. 

Rent rates will go up, but your expenses should remain stable or go down.