This enables them to act quickly when a promising property becomes available, reducing the risk of losing out to other buyers.

If you're bookings are reduced look at your competition and what amenities are they offering.

By being open to single family homes as well it really increases your choices, and for us, reduced the cost per door of acquiring our properties.  

Rural doesn't necessarily preclude a property for many lenders, but it will reduce the ltv (typically to 65%).

I would not put any energy into this aspect. the only other way to get one is to take title subject to a 30 year note that can happen as well. 

I know there is an ATI exemption that reduces the taxable value by ~25%.Anyone else went through this and can advise on how to move forward with this?

Waiting for rates to drop before refinancing mitigates the risk of locking in a high-cost loan and significantly reduces the pressure on cash flow​.Upcoming Opportunities: Many investors who bought aggressively during the 2020-2022 period, especially those with five-year fixed-rate loans, may face challenges when their rates become variable around 2026-2027.

Other options that are rarely talked about, but also an options, is to sell property without 1031 Exchange and get cost seg on new property that reduces capital gains (this strategy depends on property type, level of participation, etc.). ...

Short-term rentals can definitely help you build financial freedom while giving you more flexibility, especially if your current business is demanding a lot of your time and energy.

This takes a little more work, but it's the fairest and reduces the likelihood of tenants that squander utilities.If you choose #2 or #3, there are considerations:Start with an average.