And while short-term rentals are the big draw here, there’s also growing demand for mid-term rentals from snowbirds and traveling professionals, as well as long-term housing for the increasing number of permanent residents.Yes, higher interest rates are a factor, but the strong rental demand in the Panhandle often helps offset those costs.

As in most things, It's best to draw from a number of resources to get different points of view. 

-Rehab funds are usually held in escrow, which will require you to request draws. 2.

The biggest difference here is that you'll pay P+I on the entire loan amount immediately with a cash out, but you'll only pay interest on what you draw on the HELOC during your draw period.

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

Another draw back is short term your expenses will be higher because you are paying the mortgage plus paying back the loan but that is a short term draw back until the loan is paid back.How it works: I have experience with my wife's company and mine, each is a little different. 

I am actually doing a flip right now and hard money lender isn't the easiest to give us a loan for the rehab (draws verse pulling all at once, which is normal).

What is drawing your eye to Flagstaff besides the bonus of already living there. 

@Phil SheltonYou would need a civil engineer to provide a drawing to get submitted to zoning and get a permit if it passes zoning is most common This also depends on the road - if it’s a state road forget it as it will take a year to get approved and cost a fortune - if it’s a local road process not as cumbersome but don’t expect this to happen quicklyIn some instances you may have to prepare sight distances etc to make sure it’s safe to add a curb cut

You also don't need to do a traditional long term strategy, is there a draw the  area that playing host to a traveling nurse or other professional/student would be interested?