I finally decided to close the doors mainly because the unit used was not available anymore, but also because the regulations got stricker and stricker over time.Now, if you want to use your 2-4 as an STR, you need to show proof that you are living in the unit you are renting by sharing a government-issued ID with that exact unit or your tax exemption form.If you have a building over 5 units, it's a bit easier but still challenging ( you can rent up to 25% of the units out for airbnb)...the few people I know that are successful are NOT the owners of the building, but more so the operator of the airbnb unit aka str arbitrage

I've never done this when applying for a new card BUT I've found this department to be generally helpful and you may be able to say - Hey Amex, I qualify for this offer for a new card with Discover, I'm a loyal Amex card holder, is there any kind of retention offer you can make me that would come close to this Discover offer.

Would love to hear others good and bad experiences so that new landlords or landlord who might be on the fence about Section 8 can make their own opinions.

I believe my current rate on that is 9%, I honestly don't remember what it cost to get it going it was a few years ago, but they close them in house so it wasn't too much. 

Remaining principle on the mortgage was paid by Flock at closing ( ~60K), so my shares at Flock represent the equity in the home that I’d accumulated from appreciation and principal repayment over the last 17 yrs.I like their approach/strategy.

However, some investors don't mind this strategy if they prefer not to put a lot of liquid in up front and plan to refi out within a few years of closing (which seems to be a great option with the talks of the FED reducing interest rates into 2025).It really comes down to investing in a growing market, in a good neighborhood & building a great team to support you.

They even gave $5k towards closing costs AND paid the points to lower my interest rate to 6% for 30 years.

The duplex had carports and separate fenced backyard areas.

Doesn’t cover you when a closing company who wires your money to a prior lien holder and then never closes the deal.  

Best yet, get the seller to pay a couple points towards closing costs when you make your offers, even if you have to go up on the purchase price (still has to appraise at the higher price).