That said, when considering an investment property you may want to consider multiple COAs to achieve your goal(s). 

He achieved these impressive savings from a technique known as cost segregation.

You may need to do a combination of the above in order to result in a strong base with the correct rise/run to allow for the pavers, but it would achieve what you'd like.

With that said, I have been working on developing some metrics to help me going forward whether to pull the trigger on a deal or not, my metrics are based solely on my personal finances and what I want to achieve long-term.

If I rent it makes me not responsible for anything thats happens with the house/apartment, but I would be throwing away money.I would love to buy a house, I love projects and home ownership is something I've always wanted to achieve. 

These small community banks are extremely vital in this scenario because they are willing to do everything in their power to help you achieve in your endeavors.

My goal is to achieve financial independence and have enough passive income to pursue whatever is of my interest by age 30 (realize it's pretty vague right now, working on that).I talked with a recent college grad who is pursuing this path also and recommended that I talk with hard money lenders to talk about financing.

From what I've learned through reading, podcasts and other investors is this:Multi-Family:  Great cash flow, more doors for 1 purchase, faster path to achieving wealthSingle-Family:  Won't cash flow as much as MF, not as easy to scale up as MF. 

It important to know what your strategy to achieve your goals. 

It seems 8% preferred with an equity split on exit is achievable.