I have found people willing to owner finance their house to me at a lower interest rate.

We've run about a 20% vacancy rate. 2 of our MTRs have been great, the third we sold after it wasn't generating enough inquiries over two years of effort.

Rents and property values rise pretty steadily in our market at a rate about 2-3X the national average.

The first question is, can I use a second home mortgage (10% down and lower interest rate) for this. 

A quick check of new listings results in many listing that seem well below market rates.   

This has definitely paid dividends for us when it comes to mortgage rates and lending options. 

Many of these were lost in tax sales, and the ones that they got re-performing underwrote loan mods at low single digit interest rates during ZIRP and could not resell them at a profit once interest rates were hiked.

You'll either have a higher rate for no prepay, or it will cost you points at closing.

Keeping a 2.99% rate sounds great, but it may be costing you thousands of dollars if you are in the double digits with your other outstanding debts.

Currently looking to buy more but these rates don't make it easier!