When I convert it to a rental, I'll take them down for light fixtures, so long as comparable rentals don't have ceiling fans. 

LendingOne charges 1.75 points as doing-business fee, but if I qualify for 4.5 and compare to banks where I'd pay 1 point to get 4.5---  with no hope of fast closing, among other drawbacks---  1.75 would be alright.

@Mike H.I think it’s funny you compare buying rentals in 2010 to today saying it’s apples to apples.

Compare rates, fees, and customer service when choosing a lender.

Since you're living there you're at a huge advantage compared to OOS investors like me.

Your rental returns will be low compared to your purchase price. 

I suggest you run your own numbers on them to compare.

You might have to start small, however, I know a builder here in Charlotte, and he said a builder should make about $40-$50k per house, and I think that might be around a 20% margin so figure that in as well and compare it to your market.If the ad business is running on auto pilot I'd keep that going for additional cash flow.You can also look at buying distressed properties and revamping them to BRRR or Flip, again, since you have a great construction background.Rentals and STRs can produce $30k net a month, however, it might take a number of them.

Many lenders give better rates if the appraisers opinion of rents is 1.25%, 1.1% or 1% compared to the mortgage payment. 

A neighboring property, similar to my current rental property, is now on the market at the same price I paid two years ago, with comparable rent.