I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Principal paydown is not an expense...it's just paying the cost of the asset over time. 

Currently we are still trying to make and build inventory and see how it goes.1) I am currently paying $150 more on the principal via the min. payment and weekly payments to take advantage of the amortization schedule.

This didn't included interest payment just the principal which he borrowed.

Its possible but it would still be close to wiping out the rest of the cash flow I have due to the loan principal/interest payment.

On a fixed mortgage, i could pay extra payments (or a one time lump sum payment) and apply it towards principal.

A property manager will charge you 20%, but there are other ways to do this.For a first time investor, you may just want to do LTR first so you have a consistent amount coming in and if it cash flows you can add to the principal or reserves. 

Key things to keep in mind with your numbers are:Rent should be > PITI (principal, interest, taxes, & insurance) + maintenance + vacancy + capex + property management fee. 

Remaining principle on the mortgage was paid by Flock at closing ( ~60K), so my shares at Flock represent the equity in the home that I’d accumulated from appreciation and principal repayment over the last 17 yrs.I like their approach/strategy.

Here is my take on it.I have 2 buckets.Clients I work with nationally that buy STNL and MTNL and I am the principal commercial broker as it's my firm and I work with them as the broker.Second bucket is I syndicate value add retail deals where I am the sponsor.1031 money unless buying directly needs to be DST or TIC model.