2.Are there strategies to reduce the required down payment or secure better mortgage terms?

@Anthony KolbuszBRRRR method is a fantastic strategy, especially with your trade experience.

Any insights, advice, or strategies from those who’ve been in a similar position would be greatly appreciated.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

While the borrowing costs are higher, I’m exploring strategies where the returns could offset this.

If you hate the process of placing tenants, it may be worth it to hire a property manager to handle tenant placement for you.I think finding a new tenant is a better long term strategy if you're confident you can find a higher quality tenant that will cause you fewer headaches.

This in turn will kill your exit strategy if you are not doing your due diligence and playing conservative.

Depending on what the potential jobs offer in terms of income, does this seem like a realistic strategy?

I realize I am not cut out for the entire REI process of consistently finding multiple properties for particular exit strategies. 

Most people that scale also choose one strategy to start with and scale in.