. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Credit scores can be misleading when screening tenants, as many lack the term loans (like mortgages) that drive high scores.

You will make more from loan pay down, yes you SHOULD have some appreciation.

I've also used traditional loans through regional banks and a few SBA loans. 

Are you using the 10% down second home occupancy loan?

Business loans typically won't let you purchase a property if you read the fine print.

I know that interest on the acquisition loan can be included in the cost basis since it’s inventory.

We were able to get into it with a 5% down primary residence loan.

One thing I continue to think about is how valuable 2-4 unit properties are becoming, and will continue to be, since Fannie/Freddie took the income restrictions from the 5% down conventional loan option for house hackers. 

If they have a good interest rate it might be worth looking to see if you could assume their loan to take advantage of the lower rate.  

Also, have you looked into DSCR loans for the refinacne portion?