So, now the 3 family pays both mortgages with some extra cash flow.

And am *likely comfortable waiting another year to buy so I can build up a down payment (and) extra savings.

I think the best way would be to get a loan on the property with minimal money down, hopefully leaving you with some extra.  

Is it a really big nice house that we spent quite a long time making extra nice.

Owner finance usually will not have PMI/MIP which is an extra fee on your monthly payment that is charged if you do less than 20% down.

While many people brag about the high returns they make the business comes with many inherent risks and it requires 27/7 work, worries, management and extra high management costs that long-term rentals and multi-unit properties don't have.With $125k to invest I would definitely invest in no less than a 4-plex where your profits are almost exponential when you increase rents and the rent increases result in both higher profits and an instantly higher re-sale value for the property.

My current interest is in landlord paperwork, screening and legal knowledge to rent hack the extra room.

They're getting all appliances, an extra fridge, and a huge patio add on and the best lawn in the neighborhood.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it.We have a 12 page management contract that we've added our real experiences to over the years, with the intent of protecting both us AND the landlord.

I expect to cash-out refinance by the end of this year with at least $120k+ taken out to pay off remodel expenses and put the extra amount into another property.