2.Are there strategies to reduce the required down payment or secure better mortgage terms?

Security investigated to find the renters still at our house.

Non-recourse has less personal exposure, but you need a very strong balance sheet to secure this without bringing in a KP.

Not that it really matters.No institutional lender will give someone a loan that doesn't have:1) Credit history2) A social security number3) Income3) Employment historyYou'll want to research Wholesaling and Land Contracts.

I do have a silent investor, but when it comes to securing funding, it often feels like I’m navigating it alone.

We don’t try further diversification by investing in residential mortgage loans, mortgage loans secured by property outside the U.S., loans not secured by real estate, or loans secured by farmland, recreational land, or oil and gas ,mining.  

I position my inspections as 'planning for future repairs/improvements' which mitigates that whole 'he's here to get my security deposit' mindset.And, I would rather have the tenant with me than to have him later claim that something was broken during the inspection.  

Comparing rates and terms across lenders can also help you secure the best deal.

With $200K-$250K, you can secure high-quality rental properties in both cities while benefiting from steady appreciation, strong rental demand, and landlord-friendly laws.Oklahoma City has a rapidly growing economy, with major industries like aerospace, energy, healthcare, and tech fueling job growth.

Focusing on the best quality real estate will allow you secure more favorable financing terms, more likely to achieve favorable exits/refinances, more likely to attract the best capital partners.