I love Mt Ranier, but the property tax rate is crazy.

Fort Collins did it since the 1960s and only recently created a law against it because of rent rates.

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

They also could have a mortgage that could not be satisfied by the price and in that instance, again the bank would not release it - so again stuck. 

That will be a determining factor for where it makes sense for you to purchase.Regarding waiting - bear in mind a lot of people were predicting rates in 2024 would be in 5% range or low 6s, which didn't turn out to be the case.

Having a mortgage and your normal STR insurance is already 2 levels of protection. 

You can then rent at market rate but have to register it with the town annually and abide by their annual inflation rules.

Although I will probably pay a slightly higher interest rate.

.- in this higher rate market, i find BRRRRs to be challenging because after a high LTV refinance the units have negative cash flow.  

I'm feeling most drawn to a buy and hold rental investing strategy and like the idea of the BRRRR strategy in tandem with VA loans, basically refinancing VA loan backed mortgages to conventional loans once there is 20% equity in the home.