With that low interest rate, you will have paid down a lot of equity in the deal and should be able to finance with a bank.

Hey @Brett RiemensniderThere are a TON of banks/credit unions that will offer as low as Prime on a heloc on your primary residence.

Those rates would be low in my area by half .I do service work , the clock starts ticking when the truck leaves the shop and doesnt stop until the truck and men return .

Happy New Year, everyone!
Getting right to the purpose of my post, with all the relevant context: I’m 52 and living near Seattle. I have a good FT job in education administration, but I want to retire asap, focusing ...

@Rafael Ramos All your goals contradict each other:(1) Cashflow: buy Class C & D properties2) Appreciation: buy Class A & B properties3) Low Crime: buy Class A & B properties4) Why would you want your investments to lose money to lower your taxes?

Appreciation of an asset with low down payment, tenants paying principle down, tax advantages, all reasons why real estate is an investment of DOING.   

If you are going to be an owner-occupant, want a low down payment, and are planning to do a renovation, the FHA 203k and Fannie May Homestyle loans are your best optionsHow do you know the property is currently upside down on the mortgage? 

Everybody thinks they can paint because they can - you get a brush or a roller, a can of paint at Lowe's and away you go.

There are other loan products available that are still a low down payment. 

Low value markets might be Pennies on the dollar like you allude to.