.% Paid in Cash: Cash sales accounted for 43.1% of transactions, slightly up from last year's 42.9%.

Could anyone provide advice on the most cost-effective way to construct this and tips on estimating the total cost?

Also, request the tenant info provided in the application process so you can see the type of tenant who was approved.

Just go to the local forums there are deals everywhere IF you are cash.

As of Nov 1, 2023 lots of HOI providers have stepped out of Harris County.

Additionally, while Japan provides tax deductions for housing that you live in, it doesn't seem to provide such deductions for investment property. 

For my first property, is it A: better to pay cash and see how it cash flows or always use loans and save money for down payment and other investments?

Glad to see you are active on BP and continuing your education and learning in addition to the resources provided with FlipSystem.

I personally like it when there is a IRS lien scares the uninformed away and much less competition .. it also keeps those that MUST get a HML to pay off the cash they invested as quick as possible..

I really want to absorb as much as possible but only have about 70K in cash available, so I'd rely on financing, which I am no stranger to.