As an exercise, I used the "Top 100 Cash Flow Markets 2024" from BiggerPockets.

Quote from @Kelly Schroeder: Scaling flips can be a challenge — timelines, contractors, and capital all play a role.

Hello @Kevin Mertus,Stocks, bonds, and CDs play a different role than real estate.StocksStocks are for capital accumulation.

Both single-family homes (SFH) and small multifamily (MF) can play a role in a successful portfolio.Single-Family Homes (SFH): Typically attract longer-term tenants, easier to sell when you exit, and often lower maintenance (fewer systems to repair).Multifamily (2–4 units): More income diversification (if one tenant leaves, you still have cash flow).

Hey Marcus,I would imagine that there are some bridge (1-2 year term) Interest-only loans that I would imagine could get you close to 70% leverage and buy you some time to help bring the FICO up a little bit.Otherwise, I always see DSCR loans as 'Asset-based, FICO-informed' so your credit will certainly play a role.

It's a numbers game, and realistic assumptions are key.Cap rates play a significant role in property valuation.

Do you think more investors should slow down and play the role of “translator” before rushing into a transaction?

They probably play a role, just a much smaller weighted role. 

The industry as a whole is downsizing right now, and Ops folks are the first ones to go and the last roles to get added.

The structure is as follows:I receive the property as a gift, based on its appraised valueWe sign a promissory note for that value, with the intent to pay it off at refinanceI assume operational control immediately and take the lead role in managing the assetI’m modeling this as a hybrid between a gift transfer and a seller carry, and I want to ensure:The promissory note is compliant with IRS rules to avoid imputed interestWe’re not triggering unintended capital gains exposure on either sideThe deal protects both parties in case of default or delayed refinanceIf anyone has experience with family-based seller financing, promissory note structuring, or tax overlays in hospitality or real estate, I’d love your input.