Here are some pros and cons of each approach to help you decide:Paying Cash for One Home and Refinancing LaterPros:No Mortgage Payments: You won't have monthly mortgage payments initially, which can reduce financial stress.Equity: You own the home outright, giving you full equity which can be used for refinancing.Lower Costs: No interest payments and possibly lower closing costs compared to having a mortgage.Better Negotiation Power: Cash buyers often have more negotiating power and can close deals faster.Cons:Opportunity Cost: Your cash is tied up in one property, potentially limiting your ability to invest in other opportunities.Refinancing Risks: Future interest rates may be higher, making refinancing more expensive.Market Fluctuations: Property values might decrease, affecting the amount you can refinance.Buying Four Homes with 20% Down on EachPros:Diversification: Owning multiple properties diversifies your investment, reducing risk.Rental Income: Potential rental income from multiple properties can generate cash flow.Appreciation: You benefit from the appreciation of multiple properties.Leverage: Using mortgages allows you to leverage your investments, potentially increasing your return on investment.Cons:Higher Debt: You'll have multiple mortgage payments, increasing your debt and financial obligations.Management: Managing multiple properties can be more complex and time-consuming.Market Risks: Market downturns can affect all properties, amplifying risks.Cash Flow: If rental income is not enough to cover mortgage payments, you could face cash flow issues.Considerations:Financial Stability: Assess your current financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments and potential vacancies.Market Conditions: Consider current and projected real estate market conditions and interest rates.Investment Goals: Align your decision with your long-term investment goals and risk tolerance.Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.If you prioritize lower risk and less debt, paying cash for one home might be the better option.

So your success rate is 0.1%. 

Congratulations on your first successful investment! 

It's crucial to look beyond just the lowest rate offered on a verbal or preliminary basis.

We've had success finding unlisted properties that don't make it to the MLS.

Mathematically, you take the expected interest rate and divide it by 72 to get the number of years for your investment to double.

The below terms are live as of this date, for a rate and term refi (no cash out).From left to right:Points: 1, 1.25, 2.Prepayment penalty: 10 years, 3 years, 5 years.Commentary/review, hopefully this thought process is useful when evaluating offered terms for a maturing commercial mortgage that needs to be refinanced. 

Mortgage rates are much higher than they were four years ago.

I'd rather not do an entire cash-out refi because I have a much better rate on the property than I could get today.With a 70% LTV planning factor, I'd still have plenty of room for the cash I'm looking for to make the down payment (~125k).Thanks for any help/advice!

Rates are very comparable to conventional.