I have been doing work to improve the side that I am living in, including finishing the walk-out basement that adds another 2 BR and 1 Bath. 1-1 rate buy-down gives me a 24 month period refinance at either a lower rate, or at a higher value (forced appreciation from improvements).

-Would the Fed actually RAISE rates?

@Samuel Metcalf- thanks   1) I would recomend getting a HELOC in place on your primary residence duplex  for  as much as  possible...this should be available for  free or a low  cost and the rate will be variable in the  8-11%  range ...prime rate +  margin of  1-3% ) ...the min payment is in interest only payment on outstanding balance   2)  use the heloc for the  remodeling  costs ...pay it down as  agressively as you can   3) on the  purchase of the investmenet  1 unit -  you are  allowed to put as little as 15%  of the price for your down payment ...the pricing you get for the loan will improve  as your down payment  grows so you might look at  75% /  80%  and  85%  ltv  options 

They have higher rates and typically have prepayment penalties, however they require much less documentation. 

Ideally, we're able to find a loan at 10% down, at or below current rates.

But you want to be fully in just 1 property "until" rates come back lower?

Want To Get Our Best Rates And Terms?

Hi James, Look at key economic indicators such as job growth, unemployment rates, GDP growth, and industry diversity.

Charge the tenants a higher rent rate and include utilities with their rent.

Hometap claims "no interest" but if you look at cash now vs. percent equity they'd take in a future sale, the implied interest rate is something like 25%.Are there private investors out there who are interested in doing similar deals with better terms?