and, with interest rates high, it's very, very difficult to cash flow right now in the short term. 

I am interested in learning all I can about Long Term and Short Term Rentals. 

Aim for a credit score of 680+, with 700+ preferred for better refinance terms.

I plan on holding on to my properties long term so equity would be great as well.

If it is a direct lender you are able to work to find more favorable terms because they usually determine their terms on a deal by deal basis. 

- Are there other lenders you’d recommend for refinancing rental properties that might have a smoother process or better terms?

There are services like Blockfi, Unchained Capital, and many others will will give you a short-term loan backed by your crypto assets.

Have you refinanced this into a long-term mortgage?

If it has any basis at all (such as you left the apartment during your lease term for what you felt was a justifiable reason and stopped paying rent, but the landlord disagreed) then you may be better off paying a rather small settlement.  

.: Quote from @Matthew Irish-Jones: Buffalo is a good market to invest long term if you get a good property, on a good street, in good condition.