But your overall returns with appreciation and principal paydown make that even stronger of a return.  

However at least in our market you have to have POF or Strong letter from your bank to get the seller to allow you to go into contract subject to entitlements.. then you need usually 50 to 100k in EM to tie it up.. then you need another 50 to 100k or more for entitlements.. then you go into contract with one of the national or regional builders and then you pray they will close on time. 

Let's say 3 young single guys want to buy investment triplex.  5 years later your credit is all tied up in that triplex so when one of your partners gets married and has kids and his wife wants to buy a house for the family, they can't do it, because his name is on that investment mortgage. 

If so, does it also tie up the tenant's ability to obtain a moving permit?

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

Larger deals tend to trade in retail at higher cap rates.What you need to decide is how long you want your money tied up into a deal (their exit strategy), and how much you want to place, and if you get cash flow right away, partial, or none until certain metrics are hit.As an example you might get 8% preferred return but upside might be more marginal than a small retail turn around deal where exit is in 2 to 3 years and equity multiple is likely much higher for overall return.

Entitlement might get tied up and you might end up needing a down payment though depending on loan amounts.Yes, you could also have a VA and an FHA if needed.

Cash will be getting progressively tied up in debt funds, small cap growth opportunities, international investing,  basic S&P and some held for a short-term debt basis to enter CRE. 

If you don't have TIE, and all of TIE, then you are leaving a lot of money on the table by not hiring a PM.  

If that is the case, consider doing a cash-out refinance since you have your HELOC tied up in it.