This frees up your cash to allow you to keep making transactions and allows them to follow the lender guidelines.For rental, there are lenders that will loan 75% Cash Out, and I have heard of lenders offering more locally out west, with a 3 month seasoning requirement for market value.For primary homes, or house hack strategies, a HELOC may be the best bet, as lenders vary, but overall some strategies will offer the best savings of all.

From what I’ve seen, if one wants a long term rental, Redmond and Prineville would be a better bet.

If I buy betting the neighborhood will improve, the increase in revenue is totally dependent on outside factors over which I have no control.  

Best bet, if you’re motivated, search, or have someone knowledgeable search the all the recorded documents, mtg, foreclosure action, etc.  

I bet we can meet at Salt Hill Pub.

The cost of living is an interesting one - as in my view it supports a decision to move somewhere, or perhaps a business decision to open a satellite office, etc - however it does not typically 'drive' that decision.One of the key and most important advantages that Iowa has from a labor perspective, and I believe why the DSM market is a great fit for insurance/finance - is that the typical resident knows central Iowa and is 'content' - this doesn't mean that they are settling, as I do believe the DSM market is a 'special' place once you get to know it - however I'd put a strong bet as compared to other metros that if you polled people, the question 'Do you see yourself moving in the next few decades or do you ever yearn to move?'

Best bet is still brokers.

Among the experienced contractors, I'd bet you can't find a single one.All that said, this is your decision. 

Best bet would be conventional with maybe as low as 15-20% down.

They will probably your best bet.