You may need to look for a specialized bank for optimal terms.

DSCR can be simpler to execute, but it works best when in-place rents are already close to market.Before your lender call today, I’d just clarify one thing for yourself: are you optimizing for lowest long-term payment or speed and simplicity on deal one?

If timing is tight, paying the tax and planning a future tax-optimized reinvestment may be the safer option.

Hey everyone — looking for some real-world advice from investors who’ve been through a few cycles.I’m in a position to buy my first (or next) serious deal and want to pressure-test my thinking before committing.My situation / flexibilityBudget: Under $400kLocation: Anywhere in the U.S.Strategy-flexible:Section 8Market-rateDuplex / triplex / 5–10 unitSeller financing / creativeValue-add or stabilizedWhat I’m optimizing forCash flow matters — I want the deal to stand on its ownThat said, I don’t want to park capital in a market that permanently lags inflationI’m not chasing appreciation-only deals, but I also don’t want to be stuck in areas with no long-term upsideA middle ground between strong cash flow and reasonable appreciation would be idealI’m okay with operational complexity if the returns justify itLately I’ve been seeing:“awkward middle” deals with real risk but thin upsideCash-flow markets that look great on paper but feel capped long termBetter areas with returns that only work if appreciation bails you outMy core questionIf you were starting (or re-starting) today in January 2026 with:Some capitalGeographic flexibilityWillingness to self-manage or hire a PMAnd a long-term mindset👉 What would you actually buy right now, and why?

The point is: prime real estate of quality construction, with updates, utility, development potential, strong income or optimal location are likely undervalued assets in 2026 and beyond.

Arizona can still work, but you have to buy based on cash flow and fundamentals, not agent optimism or headlines.If I were in your position I would focus on one of two lanes.Lane one is a VA owner occupied duplex or fourplex, or VA new construction if you can truly control build costs.

Of course I want to maximize cash flow as well.Curious what others focused on optimizing during year one of a house hack (rent by the room, refinance timing, expense control, etc.) to set up deal 2.

Getting optimized out because they’re standing still while the environment changes around them.It’s uncomfortable.

Hey David,Given that you don’t need current cash flow and plan to reinvest for the next 8–12 years, I’d think about this a little differently than someone trying to live off the income today.On the 15-year vs 30-year question, I’d generally lean toward flexibility over optimization.

Is it an automated tool that tells me what/how to optimize?