If you’re short on down payments, here are a few strategies to consider:Leverage Equity: If you own any properties with equity, consider tapping into that through a cash-out refinance or HELOC to fund your down payments.Seek Joint Ventures: Partner with other investors who can provide the down payment while you manage the property or contribute in other ways.Explore Creative Financing: Look into options like seller financing or lease options, which might require less upfront capital and can be structured to fit your needs.Consider Private/Hard Money Lenders: These lenders can offer flexible terms and quicker approval compared to traditional banks.

We use OwnerRez + PriceLabs for a traditional STR we own which I've been very happy with. 

Buy your next deal using a traditional mortgage and your own name.

If those home is paid off and the equity is only needed for a short time, taking out a more traditional HELOC might make more sense.

What factors do you consider when deciding between traditional financing and private money lending for real estate deals? 

As far as loan differences, I'd connect with an investor friendly lender to go over the pros & cons of FHA (3.5%) & Conventional (5%) if you want to go traditional financing route. 

Hard money loans can facilitate faster closing times compared to traditional financing, allowing you to secure and renovate properties quickly.

Traditionally, DSCR loans that allowed STR have always wanted DSCR to be calculated on long term rental rates OR 12 months of actual performance or some heavily hair cutted version of Air DNA and all of these products would price gauge on rate.

If your network likes the pure equity play, you should offer that.With the "debt" financing, are you planning on using this as your mortgage, with no "traditional" mortgage ahead of it?  

I'm renting them as non-traditional units (6 of them).