Private investment in these projects seems like a challenge as I can't see how they'd get paid back on their principal. 

One of the main challenges is that I can only afford to put 5% down, which would leave me tied to this property’s expenses for the foreseeable future, making it harder to pursue other investments.All of this said, I’m really struggling to stay positive about investing right now.

Have specific challenges, ideas and areas I look into.

In a rising rate environment, your costs could increase.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

You do have to be aware of cultural differences and other challenges:- In other countries, workers ALWAYS take their birthdays off- You should inquire about & respect local holidays- Timezone differences of more than 2-4 hours, can lead to mysterious "sick" days.

I can not fathom how you were not informed that this was a DSCR loan and you should absolutely inquire about the specifics such as whether your are IO or not and the pre payment penalty. 8.4% is high in todays rate environment, even for DSCR.  

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Cash flow is challenging to get with interest rates being higher, but possible if you find the right deal.

At 4.25%, that’s a favorable rate, especially in today’s environment where rates have risen.