This could help smooth out cash flow in the long run by locking in a lower rate and reducing future payment pressure. 2.

I’ve had several investor clients go with a new (to me)/ unproven lender because of a slightly lower rate promise only to get burned by that lender (closing costs were higher, appraisal costs much higher and appraisal was a nightmare, main point of contact gave us the clear to close as we passed our financing contingency then just before closing someone from the underwriting department we previously didn’t know existed said we need a few more days and seller didn’t agree because they had a higher backup offer, jeopardizing the earnest money and losing the property, etc).

Are costs really lower with a container? 

Giving away the place cheap only creates more work for yourself screening lower income individuals, and attracts scammers.

Hey Paul, any other tips on what you did to lower your cost per contact?

You can get away with using 5% for Class A tenants, but we use 10% for Class B and lower. 3) Tenant Payment Performance: you didn't mention this, but it is important!

Lowers the value of everything.

The first question is, can I use a second home mortgage (10% down and lower interest rate) for this. 

Then use the extra roommate rent income to pay down your mortgage and look to refi to a lower payment in the future (3-5 years) - so it cashflow when you move out.You could also choose the smaller unit and STR the other unit to generate more cash to pay down your mortgage and refi, so it cashflows when you move out.Bottom line: you'll have to get creative to solve your cashflow challenge!

Getting it under market value would be a bonus.So, would using an FHA 203k renovation loan, which would allow me to buy something unqualified for a standard mortgage, which would weed out a lot of competition and push the price lower.