It takes time but worth it.How do you plan to finance your first property—are you looking at traditional loans, or have you considered other options like house hacking?

I initially got a variable loan.

He is very good about deductions on tax returns so his income looks negligible and of course banks wont talk to him about loans.

These properties can provide cash flow and diversification while qualifying for favorable residential loans.

They wouldn't be able to get a mortgage, but would have to do some kind of SBA loan or other commercial loan for the business with the properties as part of the business.

I doubt he'll be able to quality for a loan (VA) with just his income. 

If I got a home equity loan for Property 1 and used the proceeds as downpayment for Property 2 and then got a 2nd loan for the remaining 75% purchase price for Property 2, when I sell Property 2, can I use the Property 1 loan as part of the cost basis for computing Property 2 capital gains?

After funding 2,000+ loans across the country I know most lenders will have issues with these 2 things.

Loan is just over $108k. 

it will be a corporate/wellness retreat/short term rental destinationI need land that is close to the Action, but not too close, and preferably comes with two single family doors already built, so I can take advantage of Fannie Mae owner occupied loan and develop the rest of the land on my own and with private funding.Is Columbus a good market for this strategy?