I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

I like this train of thought and think you should aim for option 3: conventional loan + lower downpayment (perhaps even lower than 10%).

Many even include a set monthly amount.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

However, they all require separate applications to even get an estimate.

In your case, it sounds like depreciation would give you a lot of benefit even without qualifying as REPS.As you mentioned, the kids will get a step up in basis when they inherit the property. 

A lot of the time, the investor isn't even seeing their properties as we add them. 

Also, from what I read in Bloomberg, midterm rentals near major hospitals can sometime command a decent premium.. especially if they include some nice furnishings.Little Tweaks Count: Even minor upgrades, like new door locks or a fresh coat of paint, can help you justify a stronger rent.Driving for Dollars & Networking..

You may even find one or two who won't mind if you shadow a project they currently have going. 

Even if you're in a local 50+ league and want to be competitive, a coach is probably over-kill.