Have you looked into cost segregation studies, bonus depreciation, 179D, historical tax credits, etc.?

You could ask your accountant about options for bonus depreciation or possibly updating the properties in order to receive depreciation deductions or write-offs for repairs, maintenance, etc. 

I will continue to do research and look at the performance of different property categories, in the end I need to trust my own analysis and the data that supports it instead of generalized statements from others, even those from property managers or RE agents, or at least have them explain to me why my analysis is not correct.Thanks again for the insightful comments!

Where you find it and what category it is matters a lot less than what you do with the property once you buy it.

Generally there are three categories of multifamily investment properties – which will greatly determine your loan options.These three categories are based on the number of units at the property.2-4 Units: While these are “multifamily” properties in the sense that there are “multiple units” – you will generally have very similar options for financing to traditional residential loans on single family rentals – think the traditional 30-year fixed rate conventional option or DSCR Loans – and the coveted 20% down payment option too.

Here are some of the highlights: quickly set up bank accounts for each property and sub-accounts under those for things like security deposits and CapEx; virtual credit cards tied to each property; quick transfer of funds; ability to send money back and forth to tenants (some platforms are for collection only but won't let you send your refundable deposits back to your tenants); easily categorize every transaction into IRS Schedule E categories for reporting taxes; ability to split transactions; tenant management from vetting to drafting lease agreements to collecting rent.

The study identifies with forensic engineering detail the immediate Bonus Depreciation 5, 7 and 15-year personal property class lives qualifying portions of a building that are normally buried in 27.5 year residential or 39 year commercial categories.

Saved $1,000 per month in monthly housing costs.Step 5: Saved up the cash flow money and bonus money from their work.Step 6: Bought another condo $250,000 in a HCOL city that cash flows with 5.5% rate and 25% downStep 7: Raised rents on all 3 properties to market rate equal to $5,800.Time to complete: 9 years.Cash flow went from $300 to $1500 per month.Properties valued at approximately $925,000.

If you know of any properties that may fall into this category around you I'd love to peek at their listing / reach out to them. 

Sellers motivation shouldn't factor in what you can afford, thats a bonus if they will negotiate, but your numbers have to make sense to you and work out for multiple exit strategies (str, ltr, sell etc)Running the purchase numbers is pretty straightforward, use almost any online mortgage calculator, make sure you know taxes and insurance (taxes will go up a bit if it is currently owner occupied and you don't plan to live in it) Once you know your mortgage amount then start looking at other STR's in the same area and same size/amenities and see what they are getting per night and how many nights a month they are rented to calculate what you MAY be able to get.