Here it would be 25% down ($275k)A balance of $825k at 7% (or higher) $5,490/mo, figure $250/mo insurance, $500/mo property taxes $6,250/mo. 

You could explore renting out the garage as storage for someone, but then you need to look into insurance, liability, etc.

Have you ever had a year where your insurance or proper tax’s went down?

Financing provided through this program is only available for properties located in Michigan or Florida.Available Product Type: SOFR 7/6 ARM, SOFR 10/6 ARMLoan Amount: $766,550 MaximumLTV: Purchase and No Cash Out Refinance - Maximum 99%Prepayment Penalty: NoneLoan Assumption: NoneEligible Properties: 1-unit dwellings, attached and detached condominiums, PUDsEscrow: An escrow account must be established for property taxes, and flood insurance, if requiredUnderwritingNo Private Mortgage InsuranceOccupancy – Primary residencesMinimum Credit Score - 700DTI – Max 43% (UW/Mgmt exceptions up to 50% with minimum 3 documented compensating factors)Student Loans – If in deferment, no qualifying payment requiredDown payment of 1% must be borrower’s own funds, while closing costs and prepaids may be gift fundsAttached condominiums require a 10% down paymentEligible Borrowers – Protect and serve heroes are defined as employees of public or private education institutions, employees of medical and healthcare organizations, all first responders, and active or former military personnel.Servicing: Retained

Well if Proper won't insure it, many others won't as well.

Alternatively, there are high-yield online savings accounts like Marcus or others - the difference is that banks have some inherent risk, thus the FDIC insurance. 

Just wondering how you feel about the unique challenges NOLA has relative to economy & climate change (insurance), population decline.  

Friends, family, or you might be able to access funds via a HELOC, cash value from a life insurance policy, take a loan out on your car, etc. 

Insurance, bank accounts, credit cards, etc.You are probably making your life more complicated and expensive than it needs to be.

Tim, in lieu of a damage deposit, have you utilized A deposit insurance such as Rhino?