Live in one unit - It's a great strategy when using a bank for financing as the down payment and interest rates are more favorable to owner occupants.  

., $300 for paint and supplies) and add a fair hourly rate for labor.

They have a group of funding sources that will compete against each other, this helps keep the final interest rate within reason, and offer a partial refund if they are unable to secure financing. 

I would suspect once investors digest the higher rate environment and some of the hurricane damage is moved inventory will settle out in neutral territory. 

If the market is tough, I reduce the rent rate over the full 12-month term.

An interest rate that works for her. 

Nightly rates and estimated revenue based on all the other units in the area?

Where in a standard market rate rental a stain like that could be handled when you get around to it and the rent would still be due.

You can often get better rates with a national lender, but the customer service is non-existent, communication probably sucks, they may ask for the same documents multiple times, etc.

As long as you are on the loan, on title, and live in the home for 12 months minimum, then your non occupying coborrower can qualify for 5% down at owner occupied rates.