We've been looking into acquiring suitable properties with our agent but the issue we're running into is the licensure specs (Maryland) contemplate owning/leasing the property before applying for a license (background - grandfather started the process 8yrs ago but deal fell through - given his professional status he was able to waive many of the licensing hurdles so not concerned about hiccups in the process). 

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to get some advice on how I could leverage the current properties I have to acquire more real estate. 

@Kevin ChubetKevin does this STR tax strategy also applies if you acquired the property as a second home / vacation home using the 10% down loan?

Typically, when funds acquire loans, they assume delinquency/default risk in exchange for earning a yield on their investment.Yet this would work differently – it’s a request to purchase debt alongside a corresponding put option/insurance policy.From the buyer’s perspective, as long as the seller remains solvent, with sufficient liquidity for any exercised options, it’s a risk-free investment.

@Chris Hutchens based on previous comments it looks that you're looking to acquire long term rentals.

Dominic Kosteris worked two jobs and lived with his parents before buying his first home in 1996.In 1997, he acquired his first investment property and started earning rental income.

Yep, there a plenty of ways to acquire real estate without getting a bank loan or paying all cash!

You could consider REITS, Private Placement Deals, Hard Money Lending, Syndications, etc. and invest passively, or continue acquiring hard assets that come with heavier time expenditures.  

I would advise to use a short term hard money loan, acquire it quickly, rehab it, and refinance into a long term DSCR loan. 

There will be more competition when they inevitably come closer to 5%, so acquiring properties with assumably negotiable prices could be a massive hidden gem for you though the APR sounds scary!