Once back in Maine, the goal is to begin purchasing small multi-family residences in order to hold and draw monthly cash flow. 

My goal is to flip, flip, hold. 

Its the best course for us and our long term goals.6.

Remember, understanding your local market, considering neighborhood preferences, and aligning your investment goals are key to making the right choice.

If expensive properties aren't yielding positive cash flow, which is common in hot markets like Fairfax, and if you've found cash-flowing properties in less desirable areas, it's crucial to navigate carefully due to potential risks.

Is it common practice in real estate just for simplicity sake/rule of thumb measurements, or is there something obvious to others that I am missing?

Anything that get you closer to achieving your goal with the required skill sets.For some odd reason, the culture at BP focuses on what's free rather than what works best. 

Use a DSCR loan - No DTI or the same red tape quasi govt loans have.20% down for a purchase and would require roughly 2-3 months reveres roughly for each REO ownedOnly target goal is make sure your market rent is 1:1 with your PITI.

Consulting with a real estate attorney, financial advisor, or experienced real estate investor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and goals.

The goal would be to travel a little more full-time and maybe live in Europe or Latin America.