I wouldn’t be good at managing tenants and I like having a buffer between me and them.

Plus, a Hard Money lender will act as a buffer and partner in certain ways.

Investing in multi family properties are a good way to build a portfolio quickly as it lends itself to buffering income wise.

Buffer it a few grand to $70k to save you some back and forth (the IRS debt is accruing interest as we speak). 

College can be used as a buffer to figure out what you want to do in life.

That's why #1 is going to give you a lot of buffer, this doesn't mean be extra easy to work with.

For all they do in the name of "affordable housing" I think they scare away many investors and due to added costs and red tape that have the opposite effect of making things "affordable" but there is money to be made by those willing to persevere due to the limited supply.  4) both renovations have cost more and takes longer than originally estimating so I've built in a big enough buffer so I can still make money even if that happens.  5) I've flown to Pittsburgh often, but couldn't have done it without some reliable boots-on-the ground, no way.And yes, let's get some McRibs and share stories. 

HernandezDidn't read every response but I would just go get pre approved for a conventional 5% down, if you don't have that Heloc is not a bad option, I would just make sure you run your #'s to make sure renting todays primary would cover your existing mortgage + new cost of Heloc with some buffer.

I had a trustworthy friend interested in living in one unit and paying a cheaper rent to take care of grass/snow and to act as a buffer or property manager between myself and other tenants.

They create a buffer between you and the tenant.