Based on your age & needs, you could consider a variable annuity (stock market) vs a fixed or deferred annuity (more like a long term CD). 

Coincidentally, I had this exact same question when renewing our local STR license as they've moved to a system (unfortunately) where the cost of the license is based on the number of bedrooms.

Your mortgage is based on the refi when you complete the refi.

Agree , those are all incredibly important as is good property management and the ability to price the property correctly based on your competitors rates( dynamic pricing ) . 

To streamline the process, I want to ensure applicants qualify before scheduling a viewing.It would be beneficial to implement an AI-based system to consistently and efficiently ask prospective tenants the pre-screening questions I currently ask repeatedly.

I'm based in NJ and am looking to grow a RE portfolio here.

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

You can use Airdna & other STR estimator tools to get data on potential income/vacancy based on your location and property size. 

Thus, they are appraised as such - valued based off the sales comp approach - i.e how much have other similar single family homes sold for?

It's possible rates have peaked based on trading flat and taking a downward turn last week!