The 50% rule states that approximately 50% of EGI will typically be consumed by operating expenses.While the 50% rule provides a quick estimate, actual expenses can vary widely depending on the property type, location, age, condition, tenant mix, and market conditions.Here's an example: if a property generates $200,000 in EGI per year, the 50% rule suggests $100,000 would go towards operating expenses like taxes, insurance, utilities, and property management.

You’re spot on, you can potentially use a 3.5% down FHA loan for new financing if income and rents from the other three units are sufficient.

They should have contacts for service providers for you to interview.

Our goal is to purchase a new construction home as our first investment, with plans to acquire four more properties in the next three years (4/2 around 400k with 25% down dscr loan) .

Here are a few ideas:- HELOC: depending on how much equity you have in your property, you may be able to apply for and borrow against that equity- DSCR: BP now has a find a lender link and I'm happy to recommend mine as well if you'd like; there are lenders who do loans based on the future rental value of the property- Borrow from your 401k: typically you're able to borrow up to $50k and if you have multiple 401ks, borrow from multiplesHopefully this gives you some ideas of other options to bring in some cash for your investment!

However, this requires careful planning and adherence to 1031 rules.Holding and Renting Units:Retained Units: For the units you retain (one for your business and one for rental income), you will continue to benefit from rental income and potential appreciation.Depreciation: You can continue to depreciate the retained units, which provides additional tax benefits by offsetting rental income.With these considerations, this approach allows you to leverage the benefits of a 1031 exchange while maximizing the potential of your investment in the commercial property.

can you provide insight to your phrase "I've got a friend who owns a rental in the Raleigh, NC area that a company just pays him a check every month for the right to rent it out."

Could get a personal loan beforehand to help cover the difference.  

(we are past inspection & appraisal - just waiting on loan to close)- There wont be any photos of updated carpet, kitchen cabinets and countertops- I can't show the property in person considering I dont have the keys to proeprty yet- Would be gathering leads for people of who are intersted in hopes of getting it rented out faster If I post the property now, I could probably have a tenant lined up to move in August 1st.

There are some very high LTV investor loan programs.