It will sell mores easily and be a safer product.

We're most likely looking at multi-family (initially) in lower cost of living regions simply to make it affordable for us to get into the game. 

If you're looking for cash flow, I personally suggest checking Columbus because you can definitely find cash flowing deals here that meet the 1% rule and at affordable prices starting at $120k to $180k.

Are there other loan products similar to the DSCR loans that can also be utilized for investment properties?

Overall it is still affordable and makes sense.

Long term appreciation on one of the last affordable beach towns in NJ How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

It's very possible your broker is limited in the products they have available for you.

I specialize in single family homes in middle class neighborhoods , working people providing a high quality product for tenants that stay for avg. 5-10 years.   

The more wealth one accumulates the more Shark food one can afford to swing at. 

When I want to refinance, I just look for a lender and vet them and analyze their loan products.