If I can buy 2 or 3 for a few years, I should be able to multiply faster.

The last purchase was several years ago also on the northside and bought 5% down which has multiplied the downpayment many times over in total return.

Smart locks such as Schlage Encode are definitely more expensive than keypad non smart locks, and when you multiply that by 20 locks it adds up.   

For estimating payments, a simple interest-only calculator works by multiplying the drawn balance by the rate and divide by 12. 

@Fola OdunladeFola, great question—both time and money matter, but early on I’d argue time is the bigger multiplier.

Key inputs I track for the quick screen: price per unit vs market comps, gross rent multiplier, cap rate at current rents vs stabilized, and DSCR at realistic loan terms.To get baseline price per unit for your area, check LoopNet and Crexi for marketed deals in your class.

Underwriting tips I wish I knew earlierA few simple things that’ve saved me headaches:Run rent comps for each unit separately (don’t just double a single-family rent)Budget for maintenance and vacancy, even if the place looks greatAsk about big-ticket items early (roof, HVAC, plumbing, sewer line)Quick reality check I like to use:Take your total monthly rent and multiply by about 0.75–0.8.

Mentorships sounds like something that will multiply my learning process.

That’s exactly what tax planning is for, to take all those variables into account so you can know exactly how much you can save.For a $1M STR, you could assume 20–25% cost segregation, 15–25% land allocation based on county assessor data, and apply the current bonus depreciation percentage to the depreciable basis, then multiply by the high-earning spouse’s marginal tax rate.

Buying 1–2 in cash feels safer, but it actually slows your portfolio because you lose the multiplier effect of leverage, depreciation, and the ability to scale faster.