Even if they stopped reporting your payments the history would be there. 

These two methods seem to be the easiest path to 800+. 

It’s true that while the 10% down payment for a second home sounds appealing, the fact that rate adjustments are now similar makes the distinction less about cost and more about strategy.A few years ago, I helped a couple in San Diego navigate this exact decision.

A question I have is, if i rent out the main unit that has 4BD-2B, is it better to get a long term renter with steady rent payments from them or rent out for airbnb?

You can also take advantage of lower down payment loan products rather than going 20-25% down on a conventional investment loan. 

An example, a small down payment initially, but the note has now seasoned for 60 months with on time payments documented by a third party servicer.

Cost Overruns: After the final payment, the contractor claimed there were additional costs of $60K.

Here are a couple of methods of pipe replacement that I am aware of you might be interested in looking at.https://www.youtube.com/watch?

I was pleased with how the situation was handled and that you refunded the technology package payment.

As mentioned elsewhere, breakeven on cash flow is not the same as break even for taxes.Let's make some assumptions:Rental income = $1000Mortgage payment = $400 - but $300 is interest and $100 is principalOther expenses (repairs, advertising, utilities, etc) = $600Depreciation = $250The above scenario creates a break even from a cash flow perspective, however the tax scenario looks like this:Rental income minus the mortgage interest (principal is not deductible) minus the other expenses minus depreciation looks like this:1000-300-600-250 = $150 LossIf your income is over $150,000, then you cannot deduct that loss, but you can roll it over to future years.