Here is a blog where I wrote about a recent 42 unit we bought and did creative things to add value. https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/bought-multi-million-dollar-apartment-complex-age-26/Just a few ways to produce ancillary income:- Laundry Coin laundryDetergent/laundry essentials in a vending machine in the common area laundry rooms.Rent individual W/D to each unit-Parking Garage parkingCovered parkingprime spot parkingJust plain old charge for parking-Renovations Interior units upgradesCommon area renovationExterior upgrades for curb appeal-Vending machines In common areas such as exercise room, pool house, laundry or leasing office-Trash pick up service In high-end buildings they have a service where you can set trash outside your door and for a fee maintenance will go around each night and collect it so the resident doesn't have to carry it to the dumpster.

See if you kind find some common things you can relate to them about either through conversation or items seen in the house and use that to build rapport.

He's been here before...TX laws seem fairly landlord-friendly, or at least written with some common sense, so the best course of action is to have the owner sit down and write out absolutely everything he can remember.

The most common reason for rejection here in Las Vegas is the occupancy owner/renter ratio.

Figure your PM at 8- 10%, you will have garbage, lawn/ snow maintenance, water sewer, your taxes, insurance and loan payments. if there is common hallway or outdoor lighting, is it metered separately, if so, you will have that expense as well. 

Short term HML rates are common at 12% and up.

Im not commenting on the unwillingness to provide details or personal info but in regards to the 12 months in advance that is EXTREMELY common in the Asian community so don't let that part scare you away.

Most common ways of investing in real estate: Buy and hold (i.e. rent houses to other people), buy and flip (i.e. buy something that can have forced appreciation through rehab), build and sell (new construction), finance (lend money to other to do these things).

Unfortunately, this is a common complaint with that lender.. search the forum and you'll see what I mean.Good luck in getting a refund!  

Find a local small contractor that specializes in water damage and get them to bid the project making it crystal clear that it's you paying and not the fat wallet insurance company.