Compensating factors ie. weaker credit score, weaker reserves, weaker DTI2.

It won’t affect your debt-to-income ratio and won’t affect credit score/history.

This depends on the lender's policies, the property value and your overall financial situation. 

It does varies depending on your market. 

@Ricky McCoy - there are shorter time period options from 0 to 3 months depending on several factors, one of which is the city/state your property is in.

However, just like the rest of REI that is going to depend largely on the are you are looking to purchase in.But if you do the numbers right, in most areas, it's absolutely a realistic goal to find a property cheap enough to have the supplemental rental income cover most, if not all, your mortgage costs.Hope that's helpful!

This can build equity and potentially increase rental income through property appreciation.Another option is to sell one or more properties to free up equity and reduce mortgage debt, which can be useful for reinvesting or diversifying investments.refinancing one or more properties to lower monthly mortgage payments and increase cash flow could also be beneficial, especially if interest rates have decreased.the best course of action depends on the clients financial goals and risk tolerance

It really does depend on what your target audience is, for example if it's tech professionals that could potentially change what works best.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

It really depends on your comfort zone.Please let me know if you have any questions!