Speaking as a lender (not investor) with some experience in small balance commercial lending, I can tell you that it is likely going to be tough to find financing most likely as a lot of commercial lenders tend to stay away from churches, although could be more favorable if the building is true retail/office rather than a structure built specifically in the style of a traditional church (i.e. hard to transition to other tenants if needed)

I just finished a medium style rehab and worked with a great GC.

Hi Hoa,Given the loan amount is less than 100k, HELOC is a more suitable option unless you need more capital.

Maybe it was just the sales style, but it felt that they did not need my business and that they would not allow any more questions (and I had a LONG list).

There are still a few good resources for Log Cabins or Off-Grid style properties in remote areas as well.  

Sounds like there was not a fit in terms of style .. like a Wall Street type trying to hang out with a SoCal surfer type.

This type of financing will typically look very different and more like a traditional commercial real estate loan.That means a DSCR calculated based on a full NOI and expense load (so inclusive of vacancy loss estimates, credit loss estimates, repairs and maintenance, utilities, management fees and more – in addition to the property taxes and insurance expense that are the only expenses factored in on traditional residential style DSCR loan financing).Additionally, the DSCR minimums are generally going to be higher (typically up to 1.25x), the loan to value ratios lower (higher down payments) and underwrite more sophisticated (which makes sense considering the size and scope of the property).Many multifamily investors for properties of this size (such as more than 11 units) can syndicate capital and have more sophisticated financial and entity structures – its definitely a different world once you get up here in unit count.In Conclusion – when you are looking to invest in multifamily real estate and finance your investment – make sure you have the unit count in mind before you start shopping – the unit range can have a huge effect on your options.

Fast-forward one month to today, I still have heard no word from Philadelphia L&I (even after calling/e-mailing) and I'm ready to start renting it out, but one problem:"The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code (Section PM-102.6.4) requires an owner offering residential property for rent to provide the following to the tenant at the inception of each tenancy:A Certificate of Rental Suitability issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections no more than sixty (60) days prior to the inception of the tenancy.A copy of the “City of Philadelphia Partners for Good Housing” brochure issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections....."

However I hear the same thing about most rehab owner occupied programs and the rate on fees on this is a lot lower than a 203k or home style.

Overall  a DSCR loan can be a more suitable option for real estate investors looking to expand their portfolios, and maximize their investment returns.