THEN, I plan to purchase the second home using a FHA or conventional loan (3%-5% down), for which I will likely pay the monthly cost out-of-pocket, maybe with some rental income support if it is a duplex.My concern is, I do not want to spend my savings or weigh down my debt-to-income ratio so much so that I cannot qualify for and pay the down payment and closing for the lending on the second home.Questions: - With the first home being multi-family, 75% of the rental income (or potential rental income initially) will relatively either maintain or boost my debt-to-income ratio from lenders' perspectives, right? 

He takes the same risk as any landlord out there, since a lot of renters would not qualify for a mortgage and default anyway.

How many mortgage lenders have you spoken with to get qualified and discuss allowable down payment options?

-- when would you look for the company to refiance into/what if you dont qualify-how do you kno itll go through/not get stuck with the hardmoneyloan?

You need two years of steady income before you can qualify for a loan.

You should always talk to a mortgage broker or bank first to find how much you qualify for before starting the investor journey.

Generally yes a HELOC will go off your personal finances so qualifying is generally based on your income, liabilities, and credit. 

A smaller building that used to be a small community bank that could easily be retail space/ cafe.I will qualify for conventional financing for this property, but with interest rates being what they are, I'm not sure that's the best option. 

At least 2 US credit scores required to qualify.

Instead, the income from the property is used to qualify you.