REPS does not relate to STR's.For short-term rentals (STRs) with an average rental period of seven days or less, you don’t need REP status to offset losses against other income.

Finding durable products at reasonable costs. 

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

Steadily has their own product (with multiple writing companies) and then they offer policies through other carriers just as an independent agency would. 

What is the specific product you used, if you don't mind me asking?

We run a special kind of co-living property management that has houses mostly run themselves, 97% occupancy, and over 2 year average tenancy. 

With me not being on the duplex as a co signer it is rasisijg the interest rate 2% higher than what the average rate is or has been going for.

I would love to talk with a lender to get a better handle on the products that help investors BUT in my strategy, I am leaning toward NOT using hard money at first(if I can avoid it).

Hi, you seem like a potentially good candidate for DSCR Loans, a loan product that was essentially designed for exactly this - investors that want to build a portfolio relatively quickly and not be slowed down by DTI requirements or other hassles from conventional options.Would be glad to help, also check out this 12-part series published here on BP on everything you would ever want to know on this loan option!

we build at or slightly below the average new build in our market where there is high absorbtion