Thank you for your input!

Hi Jonathan,Given your situation, a good approach would be to structure the deal with interest-only payments for the first five years, which will keep your monthly costs lower while you build equity.

The first property is a condo, and my wife and I own 90% of it, and my brother-in-law owns 10%.

Network: Local meetups or online groups (like BiggerPockets)Check out financing options: traditional, creative, or raise capital.Look at properties in your area to understand the market.Let's connect!

Leverage Equity WiselyTapping your home equity via a HELOC or cash-out refinance can accelerate your multi-family investments, but you must factor in the debt service to ensure it doesn't kill your cash flow.

What data points are most important to you in your decision-making process?

You cannot charge one dime more nor a "pet fee" because service animals are NOT pets.If the applicant wants special features such as a wheel chair ramp, etc they MUST install that at THEIR expense and you can require them to bring the property back to its original configuration at the end of the lease at THEIR expense. 

The only time you would have to prove it is your personal residence if you got audited.Driver's license, voting registration, passport etc all prove residence. 

Thank you for your response.

The modern features and amenities can attract renters, and energy-efficient designs might help keep utility bills down.