Finally, when you're talking to brokers, lenders, etc. 

Are you set up with a lender at this point?

I think the before vs after pictures really speak primarily to your experience and ability to execute a project so it can help lenders gain comfort with future projects and allow you demonstrate what level of detail you except out of your contractors.

However, if you intend to work with a hard money lender or utilize a short-term loan product, you're on the clock for repayment, which can be stressful if things go sideways. 

DM me, and I will send you contacts for attorneys, lenders, and accountants they have previously used.

We're working with a new construction builder who has an in-house lender (Austin, Texas area).

For FHA, I would ask your lender to confirm that they considered the 100 mile rule in calculating DTI.

Hello @Jerry A.Feel free to message me if you have any questions but I would seek out a broker who has access to over 220+ lenders to help do the shopping for you. 

Do you know any FHA Lenders in the area?

There's a few different ways to focus on a lower rate such as with house hacking and making the investment your primary residence, requesting a significant closing credit from the sellers for standard rate buy-downs (which I've had great success with recently), or utilizing lenders who offer short term rate lowering solutions such as 2-1 rate buy downs (again, ideally paid for by the sellers).