The other consideration I would think about when the conversation of leverage comes up is the equity you have in the property with the additional proposed leverage and cash flow of that asset with that much leverage.

The seller, mid negotiation, decided he now wants 600k which does not cash flow enough for my liking.

Each state should have rules for what real estate agents can “gift” their clients.This is the guidance in Texas:Although a license holder may not pay an unlicensed person valuable consideration for referring a potential lessee or buyer, gifts of merchandise with a retail value of $50 or less are not considered valuable consideration.

A good, well-established Contr should not need any money in advance....they should have a good cash flow every week to pay their employees and money in the bank to pay their vendors and Subs.Now of course there will be exceptions.

The analysis you get from turnkey companies, agents etc, with their "cash flow" numbers and appreciation, cash on cash return are ideal scenarios.

Cleveland generates positive cash flow with affordable real estate prices and a strong rental market.

Navigating this situation requires careful consideration.

This area is growing and so it could be a great place for appreciation, but cash flow on a five-bedroom rental might be challenging unless buying at all cash.

If your "DTI is going to scare away any bank," then you follow it by saying both properties are cash flowing then what I surmise is the properties might cashflow in real life however on paper/tax returns you're probably not cashflowing otherwise these rentals would be improve your DTI (going down % wise) if they're actually cash flowing.So the above doesnt add up, did you get an adverse response from your current lender contact?

If you want cash flow, I would say go towards a debt fund in todays environment.