if that's the case, having an extra 20% in the deal from either buying low or adding value will be a big help in weathering the storm. this will make it that even if you ahve to sell, you could still earn some money or break even. additionally, with a multi it's generally more of a cash flow play, and if that's the case an economic dip won't be too big of a deal if you are cash flowing an acceptable amount with a buffer included. lastly if you get into a deal and have extra equity, you could bring in another investor in the future and "sell" the extra equity to them, while still staying in the deal. there are other options, like subject too's and rent to owns that may work here but for me buy low is the best defense. 

I took extra effort to kerf the crown to bend it 25 years ago.

The income I make from my rented rooms is sufficient enough to cover the costs of the house (PITI, and utilities) plus extra profit.

I am around partnership agreements where all else is equal, but the "managing partner" holds an extra 10%.

The worst thing is the seller says no, and even if they do, you get a little extra practice negotiating! 

Saving on the pmi plus additional $148 in cash flow imo is the way to go (you can always pay off the principle with the extra cash flow if you're worried about paying off the mortgage)

I'm familiar with friends of mine renting out their own apartment for some extra cash (which as a landlord I cringe at).

So often these contractors will just give up because they don't want to deal with all the extra up front work.

But I don't know the extra costs you have to pay  for level, set up, pads, skirting and deckingCan anyone help me?

The question is always - what will you do with the extra cash if you only put 3.5% down?