My business partner provided the upfront cash for the down payment, and we used hard money to cover the remainder and the rehab costs.

i am not looking to be spending my days on the lake, I am looking to replace my day job income, and growing my portfolio.... but it is important to cover my costs first, which not 20k/mo but, that is what i'm accustomed to regularly (or more). 

The borrower defaulted once the interest reserve ran out; Peer Street then turned around and lend the defaulting borrower AN ADDITIONAL $500k to cover 9 months interest!.  

I think #2 covers 90% of the work, BUT there are people whose debts are out of line with their income.

STR management is 20-25% (I would recommend self managing or getting a VA), since income is higher you could probably get away with 5% for maintenance / cap ex but remember you need to cover utilities and cleaning for these units which drives up costs.

If their policy ever lapses or is canceled, they are automatically enrolled in my master policy and covered. 

Addressing Housing Demand -California’s housing shortage is well-documented, and SB 9 directly targets the problem by promoting small-scale, incremental density increases.

I've seen banks be very competitive with blanket loans that cover multiple properties and/or multi-family properties, e.g. 5+ units.Mortgage Brokers (obviously I'm biased) - Brokers have the ability to work with all of the above and can get you to the best lender for your scenario right away instead of having you waste your time with the wrong type of lender.

The part of the home you live in can be covered under an HO3 (homeowner’s) policy, but the rented unit needs to be covered by a landlord or dwelling policy like a DP1 or DP2.

Now the deposit covers up front costs , some materials , overhead and PROFIT .