I work with a lending company that helps investors structure deals efficiently, and it’s amazing how much smoother things go with the right support.

For me, the #1 factor is the numbers if the ARV is solid and there’s enough room after rehab and holding costs to hit my target returns, I’ll look deeper.

I’m most interested in BRRRR and buy-and-hold rentals, and I keep going back and forth between starting with a small multi-family (duplex/triplex/fourplex) or a single-family rental.Here’s where I’m stuck:SFRs seem easier to manage and may be less intimidating for a first deal, but the cash flow might be tighter.Small multis could bring stronger cash flow and efficiency, but I’ve heard they can be tougher to finance, and vacancies or tenant issues could hit harder if I don’t have a solid team yet.For those of you who’ve been down this road already:Which one did you start with, and why?

But like any investment, success comes down to knowing your numbers and avoiding common pitfalls.Let’s break it down.The Numbers That Matter MostWhen you’re analyzing a deal, here are the metrics that should guide your decision:Cash Flow: Your rental income should exceed all expenses, even after you factor in the unit you’ll live in.Cash-on-Cash Return: Aim for at least 8–10% return on your invested cash.DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio): Anything above 1.2 means the property easily covers its mortgage.Price Per Door: Compare with similar multifamily units so you’re not overpaying.Cap Rate: The higher, the better—just make sure the risk and location make sense.These checkpoints act like your compass, helping you spot good deals and avoid bad ones.Quick Reference: Summary TableHere’s a handy table you can use when evaluating your first (or next) house hack:Metric/TopicWhat to Aim ForWhy It MattersCash FlowPositive after all expensesEnsures property isn’t draining your savingsCash-on-Cash Return8–10%+ in most marketsMeasures efficiency of your invested capitalDSCR1.2+ idealShows the property can comfortably cover debt paymentsEquity for Refi20%+Required for conventional refinance and to drop PMIAppraisal PrepWell-documented improvementsHelps justify a higher property value during refinanceBeginner Mistakes That Can Sink a DealEven great properties can turn into headaches if you overlook the basics.

This makes it more efficient to do the pay check parking strategy or velocity banking (other market buzz words are available as well). 

When executed properly, it should be a very smooth and efficient process. 

Market timing vs. tax planning: While market conditions in Vegas fluctuate, focusing on strategies that maximize your tax efficiency and cash flow can help you manage risk.

I also work with a lending company that helps investors structure deals efficiently.

I work with a lending company that helps investors structure deals efficiently, so feel free to connect if you want to explore alternative strategies for closing similar deals in the future

Quote from @Rereloluwa Fatunmbi: Quote from @Benjamin Louie: @Rereloluwa Fatunmbi Purchase Price: $195,000Units: 1/1, 1/1, 2/1, StudioStabilized Rent: $3,165/moEstimated Monthly Expenses:Mortgage (DSCR, ~80% LTV, 5.5%, 30 yrs): ~$1,100Property Taxes: ~$200 (check exact amount, NE Ohio usually lower)Insurance: ~$100Utilities (wrap for single meter): ~$200–$250 (budgeting high)Maintenance / CapEx Reserve: ~$250Vacancy (5%): ~$160Total Monthly Expenses: ~$2,010–$2,060Projected Cash Flow:Stabilized Rent $3,165 – Expenses $2,060 ≈ $1,105/moNotes:Utilities can be lower or higher depending on efficiency and tenant behavior.Maintenance includes minor repairs and small updates; major items (roof, HVAC, plumbing) would be separate capex.Vacancy may fluctuate; 5% is a conservative estimate for this area.If you wrap utilities into rent, you might lose a bit on the 2/1 and studio, but it keeps things simple.Takeaways:Even with conservative budgeting, the deal looks solid for cash flow.DSCR loan works here since your actual income isn’t needed for qualification, but check prepayment penalties if you plan to refinance.Consider documenting all systems and unit conditions for future resale or refinance.