I’ll pay a monthly agreed upon amount to seller and have one year to pay off the full amount/find a loan.

Some just have one meter and they pay the power and if you go that route the utility cost is very high.  

In CA, that also means you're paying an additional $800 franchise tax fee per year.

All four units are occupied and the tenants are currently paying their rent via cash in person.

I will be willing to pay a bit more to know that I can get another piece of filler stock without waiting weeks.But since I dont live in the houses I built and rent, I am looking for the most value.  

I wouldn't add it to the down payment unless it is necessary for cashflow, because the tenants will pay down the mortgage for you.

Once I have significantly more, I think would go ahead and just pay cash for an investment property or fully fund a flip for an investor. 

So far I havent found any deals that would pay investors 6% and leave anything afterwards.

I will need to pay my help as we go.

I asked AI should I pay Cash for 1 home then refi or buy 4 homes with 20% down on each home for 139000 3b ed 2 baths then im stuck a 4 home till i get another 20% down there answer was When deciding between paying cash for one home and refinancing later or buying multiple homes with 20% down, there are several factors to consider.