I'm m focused on staying disciplined and maximizing cash flow, so your suggestion on BRRRR and DSCR loans is especially valuable as I plan my long-term strategy.

In addition to offering "cash for keys" assure them that they can use you as a referral on their next tenant application, or offer them a short term-2 month lease.

@Sean Dillon figure out how to buy a 2-4 unit with FHA loan.Then rent at least one of the units long-term for stable cashflow.Try STR in another unit as well as the other bedrooms in the unit you live in.You may even consider living in the basement, attic or worse unit in the building to rent everything else out and max cashflow. 

You can most certainly make more money with higher occupancy in your short-term rental.2.

As another poster mentioned rates are lower than they've been in the previous 18+ months but unless some very surprising economic data comes out between now and when you did your refi it seems unlikely that rates are going up in the short term and there is at least a decent chance that rates drop a little more before then. 

If we hope to be in business over the long term, we have to establish "fair and reasonableness." 

I have an opportunity to make a quick 30k in equity, but only cash flow around $25 — if I look at long term appreciation, that seems to make sense to me, but am I overlooking something and trying to make this work?

Specifically, short-term rentals can help you get REPS status.

I may at somepoint consider utilities like energy and water, and how I can become more self sustaining, purchasing stocks is one way I can make my money back, or obtain ownership in what I am spending on in terms of utilities. 

Your prenumptual agreement will spell out all the terms and rules of your marriage. generally lawyers will want to have: everything that is separate is separate mentality. meaning, unless you specifically name her or transfer her name to a property, thing, etc, it is ONLY yours.