Hi Michelle,Keeping tenants' security deposits in a separate savings account at an online bank is a common practice and is generally recommended.

Mainland banks can not finance in PR. 

Local banks and smaller credit unions are most aggressive in this space.

This included some landmark deals including Rockefeller Center’s $3.5B loan and Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau $1.2B refinancingAlternative lenders filling traditional banking gaps with short-term solutions which has already begun a cycle of consolidation that will likely continue and accelerate in 2025The Office Sector Divide:CBD property values are down 50.7% from 2021 peaksClass A office properties seem to be in their own vacuum of prosperity with trophy properties commanding premium rents ($100+ PSF nationally, up to $247 in top markets) with strong occupancyHybrid work continues impacting older building valuations which have not faired as well, but this may begin to rebalance as more companies are instituting mandates to return to physical officesChallenges & Opportunities:$1 trillion in loans maturing by 2026Interest rates up from 3.5% (2021) to 6.74% (2024)Experts such as AEW’s Michael Acton and Blackstone’s Nadeem Meghji see the best entry point in the last 15–20 years and we agreeMarket Outlook:Current market conditions present unique opportunities, with inflation-adjusted prices at historic lows and yields at decade highs.

ASSET BASED LENDINGNote: Hard money is defined as average loan size under $2M, average loan hold duration under 2 years, and not a bank. 

I'm looking for the cleanest & most visible way to access payment history, see amortization schedule, tax documents, etc- much like bank softwares provide. 

they usually say stick it in the bank.. so you can offer them a nice return above bank CDs and on an asset they already know and like etc..

The good news is you don't need a specialty loan for a house hack, just a traditional primary home loan.

It’s important to ensure you’re comfortable with these risks and consult a financial advisor.If you choose to use a HELOC, consider traditional financing or private loans as alternatives if you prefer not to risk your home.As for your first rental, markets in the Midwest and Southeast offer great opportunities with turnkey properties that are tenant-ready and appreciating.

Right now, it is incredibly tough to make even a few hundred a month with traditional strategies.