@Russell Brazil,I understand your point about DTI, but I was thinking more about the fact that we would exhaust a significant part of our savings to buy the multi-unit first and would likely have to save extensively for a couple of years in addition to what we might cash flow from the multi-unit to have enough to buy our single-family home next.

Once you grab your first one with a low down / owner occupied loan…you’ll get the itch to buy more and more and will soon begin to creatively find ways to fund additional deals.  3-4 additional properties / 10-15 doors will change your life.  

Here are some additional methods to help you find off-market deals:Networking: Make connections with other investors, real estate professionals, and possible sellers by going to regional real estate meetings, networking events, and industry conferences.Direct Mail Campaigns: To connect with homeowners in certain neighborhoods or with particular property attributes, create a tailored direct mail campaign.Driving for Dollars: Identify foreclosed or distressed properties by physically driving or strolling around neighborhoods.

Don't worry about what the contractor thinks or says, you have to make your own decision and they don't know your business and all the specifics you have to consider.Thanks for your insight!

Provide a comment explaining it.Option B that's what I used many times but sometimes going to C , ask for discounted service and ask mortgagor to add it to the loan.

Plus a addition $7500 if over 50 years.

Additionally, with affordability and a median home price below the national average, Cleveland stands out as an attractive option for investors seeking a promising return.

If you factor in 8% PM, 10% vacancy including economic vacancy and capex/opex of 10% (5% each), your costs (still not including T&I) would come up an additional $2016, for a total of $8895 at 1.25M and $6969 at 900K 

BP is indeed a fantastic resource for connecting with like-minded individuals and gaining valuable insights.

Probably has limited insight or experience with investment properties3.