A “30 minute phone consultation” is heavily advertised with their package offerings, but it was a struggle to get them to agree to a phone call once we were engaged.

Look for a local credit union that can offer a cash-out refinance once the work is done, ideally with minimal seasoning.

Variable income is SUPER hard since covid and no real way around that beyond showing an offer letter that states you get a minimum guaranteed hours, and you may need a payroll log to prove you never went below that number. 

When you go to a Bank or Credit Union, they can only offer you what products that bank or credit union offer. 

LLC offers better legal protection.3) Setting up in states that allow your identity to be hid is also overblown.

Have a scenario to run by everyone:My wife recently received a job offer in which she would make a lot more money, but we would have to relocate.  

I just talked to two banks and they both said that they don't offer them for investment properties.

Our laws require us to offer a rental first come first served (first completed application that qualifies must be offered the unit).

I consulted with a real estate lawyer a few times this year who said it's very hard to sue for negligence and they advised against taking legal action, especially since the property manager at least followed through on the eviction and repairs.I've now asked the property management company to apply a $4k credit for all the challenges I've had working with them.

According to Realtor.com, EMD is typically between 1% and 2% of the total home price and is money you pay as a show of good faith when you make an offer on a house.But, it’s not an added expense.