Cashflow isn't easy here but appreciation is super strong.

It is not a scam, but you will have a very hard time finding a deal that is worth working with them, and frankly you are going to have to find someone that does not understand at all what their property is worth and get them to accept a super lowball offer to make it worth it. even then their points and fees will eat up so much that getting the 10% down loan will have a much much higher profit margin.

But 1) you're likely grandfathered in if they ever do, and 2) there are no talks or indications of changing directions on their stance. 3) long term rentals don't cashflow here, but our appreciation is super high.

I would tap into your 401k as a super last resort.

Just off the top of my head, I wouldn't feel super comfortable with non-US properties because properties in the US are held to HUD code (at a minimum).

The only instance where it might be more beneficial to do it this way vs. getting financing right off the bat is if you need to be SUPER competitive with your offers in your market.

In 6 months they will be licking their wounds having given up on the system, now being that much further (by the amount spent, amount lost investing, wasted time, and emotional devastation) behind in realizing their goals and dreams 

You also have to be super detail-oriented, focused on continuous improvement regarding the property and guest experience, very in-touch with what it's like to be a guest at the property (and a cleaner of it as well), and focused on technological tools and opportunities. 

I wouldn't touch Franklinton with a 10' pole on the existing inventory side. gravity 2 is being auctioned and sold by the developer the area didn't support office developer lost millions:https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/12/19/gravity...linden I agree on if you can get a good deal. super fast appreciation. small homes, close to downtown, you can look at year over year and it's going up fast but also fast to change. any urban adjacent neighborhood is going to be good. 

What you are asking is a super important question and it doesn't just apply to lenders.