Now rather than losing money by having the equity sitting in the property you have converted it into a revenue generating function AND you are utilizing debt to to generate revenue as well, without decreasing your cash position.  

Thomas with TG Resources, Beating the streets, Generating leads, I investigated and found details on a home I have been doing research on for quite some time on.

We have many multi-generational families in our SEC 8 program.  

I would like to roll a couple of 401Ks that I currently have from previous employers into a self directed IRA and use those funds to buy and rent out a property to generate some cash flow.

Just your post @Claire Trammell Helped me generate some fresh thoughts and 'content' and on a roll.

I'm interested in long term holds to generate passive income for both my children and my retirement (in my 30s currently). 

I ignored Cap and concentrated on the NOI generated. 

You are absolutely right, in that your 100% cash payment is essentially equal to 2-3 downpayments, generating a hefty multiple than 1 house. 

Can you generate this return with less effort / work?

It's amazing that people take their aggressions out on their homes...My generation was raised by depression era parents who really valued having a home more than anything,  and paying it off asap.