If the rent stabilizes, I can then consider refinancing these properties using DSCR or other valid options (please educate me, and let me know what other options you think are valid).

Connecting 1 on 1 with folks is always a good option too!

@Timothy Lawrence House hacking in PG County, MD, or nearby areas like Hyattsville, Silver Spring, or Alexandria, VA, is a good option, especially with student tenants from UMD.

For a simple/budget-friendly option, Google sheets/Excel can actually be a great starting point.8.

I’ll continue to explore a couple other options in the meantime. 

During period of low interest every post on BP was about cash flow - now that cash flow upon acquisition is dead the only option is equity which is also reeling because price appreciation is finally back to realitypersonally I buy for growth because I buy to hold for 10-20 years or longer.

Are there no better options, like a REIT's, Stocks, Bitcoin, or other things?

And then finally, there is always the option to just claim the regular standard mileage deduction rate of $0.67/mile. 

Hey Jimmy, I can help you go over your mortgage options as a first time self employed home buyer.

We do it up the hill Reno and with a good agent they can give you all the options and guide you through the process.