Paying off your rentals is nice, but cash flow is critical for survival.

The underlying Cash-Flow from the Property/Operators is critical to know, & make sure that it will seem to continue to come in on a steady basis.We have a Lender who is doing Investor Properties @ 7.19% right now, based on at least a 20 yr.

Home prices have been rising everywhere, amid a critical housing shortage.

This is critical in determining how much to pay for the property.

This would be critical if you needed to rely on the cash flow. 

If you're a single mom with student loans, a car payment, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, then $20,000 would be devastating and a reserve is critical.

The minor nuances to some, are critical to others.

Thanks.My main struggle with the refinancing solution is that the current cash flow serves a critical purpose - to fund monthly expenses while starting full-time flipping/rehabbing.

I certainly don’t need to be criticized or feel like I need to justify my schooling, career or lifestyle choices.

You can figure out with them what you pay them but doing due diligence and having a trust worthy realtor is absolutely critical to protect your investment.