They were all great except for the 2bd/1 bath unit.

. $25k down does diddly-squat for that except in the handful of markets where one can buy a house for the cost of a garage in most other markets.

When you form the relationship with a broker that you've done several deals with, they can often get more exceptions done for you or be more flexible with their terms and or the options that they can find for you.

I did try making extra payments on my mortgage to Brent's point, but after my 2nd extra payment, my lender instituted a flat admin fee for each extra payment so it's a deterrent for paying anything except large lump sums.

No exceptions for lot line coverage as an example.

Truth is nothing except maybe a brand new build is going to be 100% permitted likely.

Developing a relationship and understanding the skillset your agent will bring to the table is vital upfront and puts even more responsibility on the buyer to have selected an agent that will get them to the finish line. 

Everybody I have called said no except for one company that only does portfolios with established customers

Considering airbnb's downtown, long term rentals in up and coming areas near burns park, fixer uppers...pretty much anything except student housing - that feels hard!  

Reliable tenants are the exception, not the norm.A common mistake is assuming that all renters are alike so the property type is not critical.