For example, this deal does not seem to "fit" based on the 70% rule calculator which was new to us.3.Any suggestions on how we could negotiate better terms with either the bank or real estate agents?

Working with a Broker who represents a wide variety of lenders will allow your Broker to find a lending partner that fits your situation.

Indeed, the good ones I've used tend not to have a particularly high view of their colleagues in the industry @Andrew Syrios I guess I just need to spend more time searching for a realtor that is a better fit.

Just like any strategy it depends on your goals and how a MTR fits into those and your other investments. 

A month at Anytime Fitness will cost you less than $50 and they can shower 20 times a day without a problem.

I've tried QB (admittedly, didn't try for long) and it didn't seem to be a good fit.

It is likely most of them are familiar with both conventional, FHA and potentially other financing options that could be a good fit.

That will determine what type of brokerage is the right fit as you learn.

But it only works if it fits your goals.  

. - LLC doc sets are fairly cheap and easy to create these days (with limited assistance from lawyers) and its much much better to have that cover bases on arrangements like this - it will also fit nicely with financing options - whether you take on debt from a lender in a co-equity situation like your first plan (refinance loan to LLC post rehab?)