A mortgage payoff in 5 years at these interest rates is indeed possible. 

A year and a half ago I bought a house in cash to avoid a +7% interest rate on my mortgage. 

Purchased for kids future/college fund (maybe relevant maybe not) Mortgage rate is 4.4% currently paying $1149 a month (including taxes/Insurance)Currently rents for $1550 (room for upping rent to $1600+)In the 2 years Ive had it, Ive added a roof(insurance claim),new windows, new bathroom, plumbing.

HI Zeek,The good thing about investing in the US is that you can have a fixed loan rate for 30years which is not common in SE Asia or other countries.

-Cash out Refi with a private lender who has higher rates/fees-One of my friends buys a property in the name of his LLC, rehabs it, then sells it to his spouse.

If the building is evaluated at a conservative 10% CAP Rate, the value of the building is increased by $45,000.We’ve found this to be more readily accepted by our residents than simply charging a flat utility fee because it gives the resident more control of their costs.

Went home plugged in a purchase price of $1,250,000 ($625k for each duplex) then 10% down with a 3.5% interest rate to get him his $5k a month.He told me a 10% DP wasn't enough, didn't like the purchase price and asked If I was serious with a 3.5% interest. 

While I haven't had the opportunity to work with hedge funds, I do remember it being a thing back when rates were at 3%.

It would be more expensive rate wise not closing wise to get a higher interest loan for the 12-18 months while waiting for the permits, also depending on the term of the loan.

Most would agree the top three are interest rates, taxes and insurance.