But, it's not a no-brainer better alternative to renting. 

Alternative plan would be to use a  3% down conventional loan. 

Are there private money lenders who do cash out refinancing deals as an alternative?

From what I hear on the recent podcast 710 it's a great alternative to short-term rentals but a lot of leg work to get licensed and set up. 

1/4 drywall over popcorn ceilings and wallpaperMudjacking can be an alternative to replacing concrete in some cases.Resurface old tile, tubs, and countertops if they're in good shapeDefinitely vinyl plank in rentalsNew scratch and dent appliances, if you can find them.Amazon for pretty much all plumbing and electrical fixturesRip down  3/8 plywood for cheap shiplap.Using contractors who are budget conscience can save a ton.

My gutt is telling me to double the deposit and go with it because the realistic alternative is the unit sitting empty.

Alternatively, a lot of investors have found success in self-managing their rental properties as a way to cut down on their management expenses.In order to decide what option is best for your portfolio, let’s take a look at all the landlord duties you will be taking on if you self-manage or that you could pay a property manager to handle.

Side-question: anyone have cheaper alternatives to Proper insurance for MA?

I find it much more intelligible to just do the work directly myself.One thing I'm really not sure of (but would like to know).... is how far is the Flat Fee MLS broker's "reach" over my ability to sell thru alternative avenues outside the MLS listing service that I'm paying them to list on??? 

What other alternatives is there?