My strategy would then be to lease at least two of the renovated units, increasing occupancy to 90%, which could improve the chances of securing favorable terms for refinancing.I haven't pitched it to the seller yet.

New tenant security scheme that only benefits Suncoast and the tenant - leaves owner paying up at move out. 

Securing financing upfront is paramount.

If your goal is financial security for your family, how do those things further or impede those goals? 

While the co-signers add some security, the family’s newness to the U.S. and uncertain job situation make them a higher risk overall. 

Private lenders or even creating a small syndicate with a group of investors might also be worth exploring, especially since you can point to your uncle’s track record and your own experience managing rentals as a selling point.If timing is tight, you could look into a bridge loan to secure the property while figuring out a more permanent solution.

For my units, I usually look for someone with annual income 40x the monthly rent so I know they are financially secure. 

However, they can deduct the interest they pay to you as part of the seller-financed agreement—if the loan is secured by the property and you provide them with a Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) for their records.

We have emails, video conferences, secure portals etc etc.We do have a physical office, and half of our clients are local.

Lock down the spot get it secured...That is exactly what we're looking for.