So depending on your situation, you might have to qualify as if you are fully paying for both properties.All of this is assuming you are looking to use conventional residential mortgage products.

The product I used with them is called a delayed finance or delayed refi.  

Set up a plan and budget go over materials you want and can afford for it figure out whats worth the effort and whats not but of course first things first set up with a hard working A player real estate agent to help you find the best deals.

Although this will be offset with affordability.

I have worked in affordable housing in NYC.  

Basically what I'm asking is how are people doing the buy and hold on 4-5 units and affording it while there are vacancies.

$1000 to $3000 depending on what u can afford.

indeed, some areas of California can be a tough nut to crack, especially much of Southern California and the Bay Area for example...but sometimes you can drive to outlying areas and find far more affordable property.  

But there are also a dozen ways to also demonstrate that your intent is to improve property that you are holding for productive use.  

I wish every one out there a Merry Christmas and happy and productive New Year 2016.