Overcoming Common Financing HurdlesMortgage brokers excel at tackling challenges that often derail new investors:Low Down Payments: Brokers can find lenders offering low or no-down-payment loans, ideal for new investors with limited capital.Complex Income Streams: If you’re self-employed or have variable income, brokers can identify lenders that accept alternative documentation.Competitive Rates: Brokers have the leverage to negotiate better rates and fees, saving you thousands over the life of your loan.Pro Tip: Communicate your investment goals clearly with your broker so they can tailor their search to your needs, whether it’s a short-term fix-and-flip loan or a long-term rental property mortgage.3.

At the risk of taking flak here, I'm going to say I've seen a lot of super cute stock tank pools that are low-cost options. 

Some will try to low ball you and keep every possible dollar for themselves.

One golden rule I follow,if it takes a long time to fix/replace when it breaks, don't buy a cheap one.Imagine, this thing breaks in the middle of your peak season and the people who can come out to rebuild are 2 weeks out....It takes at least a day or two to build something like this even if you are super skilled.

This seems unrealistically low for a 40 unit property.

Not every STR has to be a 4 Seasons and even those I've waited on service before and it's not like someone was breathing down their neck waiting to revoke their hotel license when it happened. 

Season tickets to UT football? 

We also live in a reasonably low cost of living area compared to the rest of the nation where the home prices we are looking at for rentals are between $200K and $250K. 

I figured, if I hire several low skill employees it would equal one high skilled employee.

There are quite a number of things that can make utilizing an FHA loan more difficult such as more barriers during appraisal, appearance of low qualification/little cash, typically longer closing period, likely higher interest rate, and PMI cannot be dropped without a refinance if 3.5% down.That said, just chain 5% down conventional loans, and make sure your duplexes pay for themselves.