Any insight into the kind of options we may have for something like this and how qualification for a small hotel differs from residential conventional loans would be extremely helpful.

The house is in Woodforest though so rentability might be lower as well increasing vacancy risk due to high rental costs. 

Today I had a heater issue and snow company that was late handling commercial before residential so we ended up clearing it.Open to each option.

If the loan amount you are looking for is small relative to the value of the first and the second property combined, they are very well secured on a LTV%; ask for a 1% point lower rate.If you don't want to Cross Collateralize, do you have any CD's or MM you can transfer to this bank as collateral. 

Understand cash flow lower then say 500 bucks a month is a myth anyway.

It would be a good idea to assess your tolerance to risk and then plan something like that, but using a heloc is going to be around 9-11% in this market so to pay something off with lower interest rate to borrow more might not make much sense.

Would that lower our tax liability from other income we receive or no because this is purely RE and not an operating business?

Keep in mind that many responsible agents tend to be conservative with their valuations, especially in today’s market, where properties aren’t moving as quickly as they once did.If we’re in a conservative market, pricing on the lower end may make sense, but it’s always good to weigh your options carefully.

The lower rate or longer term can also make the payment more affordable. 

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.