Yes, people see the low price tag on these self-service options (there are a few more being marketed here, not going to put them on blast) and ignore CPA guidance to go with in person option and it is now coming back to haunt them.

Some people are growth-minded, which means they are willing to help for a low cost, or not much compensation knowing that the more conversations they have will lead to more clients.

We feared it was too low, but we were not willing to accept anything more and left it in Gods hands.

Your best bet since your working on your capital are going to be to use low money down hard-money lender.

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

Question: assuming an ideal brrrr that has all investment extracted at the refinance, why would you choose a low cost market over a high cost market?

That said, if you only have a few "residential" rental buildings, most direct carriers can get you pretty low deductibles on their stand-alone policies (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Nationwide, etc.). 

A HELOC on your duplex or home offers flexible, low-interest financing ideal for BRRRR, with potential tax-deductible interest if used for property expenses.

You can go as low as 2.5x in some cases but NJ tends to produce enough traffic/applicants where 3x should be minimum unless property is over priced.

. - This will allow low down payment and the 203(k) allows repairs to be financed into the purchase mortgage.- The 203(k) will allow you to bid on properties that need repairs that won't qualify for a traditional mortgage => less competition => better purchase price.You will need to find a great local contractor you can trust to supply the required bids to qualify for the 203(k).- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.