EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

Some say it increases bookings, while others mention concerns about damage and additional cleaning costs.

I can't imagine flying out there for a day or two with a hotel can cost you $10K.Flying out there is like you paying for an insurance. 

I'll throw in my 2 cents on common differences I've seen in my career:CDFIs - Because of their subsidized financing structure, they have the ability to be a low cost lender (and sometimes provide grants).

Hey Account Closed - I highly suggest  using a renovation loan and house hacking a multi-family if that is possible with your current life circumstances.The 203k and homestyle renovation loans are just amazing products and drastically help you reduce your risk, in my opinion, because you are able to leverage the cost of the entire renovation with such a low down payment loan.We work with a lot of clients who use these products in Chicago, and no matter what, in the long term, they gain great equity.If you aren't able to house hack - the process is essentially the same, but just with more money down with hard money or conventional construction loan.

DealMachine is a powerful tool for real estate investors, especially for finding off-market deals through driving for dollars.

In option 2, your costs are $25k higher.

., mobile homes often lose value over time unless they are situated on owned land) and tenant turnover.However, tax advantages include depreciation deductions, which allow you to offset rental income by writing off the property's value over time, and cost segregation, which accelerates certain deductions.

All they are doing is adding additional costs and getting zero protection.

Raleigh specifically has introduced “Fast-Track Plans” designed to streamline permitting to build ADUs faster and more cost-effectively.