Long term goal is to get a bunch of income generating properties and build an empire :)Some more background if anybody is actually still reading…..I have an amazing union job that I love and don’t plan on leaving.

Leverage and appreciation can be incredible wealth generators.  

"Hypothecation occurs when an asset is pledged as collateral to secure a loan, without giving up title, possession or ownership rights, such as income generated by the asset.

I have a chunk of cash, so I'm learning how to best use it for generating cash flow.

I always tell new investors get at least a duplex because a SFH just doesn't generate enough income.

They are clearly being hired by someone to essentially cold call/lead generate. 

It's definitely worth a listen:https://www.passiverealestateinvesting.com/the-pros-and-cons-buying-all-cash/Basically you should do what you're comfortable with but you can generate more revenue, faster, if you finance since you can then buy more properties faster.

On the other hand, I was thinking about possibly doing one or two short term flips and using the profit generated from that to invest in my next multi-family.

The profit in apartments is generated by increasing the NOI not necessarily on the purchase.

I'm guessing we give each of them the numbers, have them generate us a rate and then just choose the best lender for that deal?