There's a few different ways to focus on a lower rate such as with house hacking and making the investment your primary residence, requesting a significant closing credit from the sellers for standard rate buy-downs (which I've had great success with recently), or utilizing lenders who offer short term rate lowering solutions such as 2-1 rate buy downs (again, ideally paid for by the sellers).

You just have to be careful because some sales agents will just advise you to over improve the property because it makes their job easier.

Keep detailed records of repairs, improvements, and rental income, and consider working with a CPA specializing in real estate to ensure you're taking full advantage of deductions and strategies like passive losses, home office deductions, or even the Qualified Business Income deduction if applicable.Good luck!

It’s because having cash available doesn’t not necessarily mean the borrower has the credit CAPACITY to obtain a loan.  

They stopped paying the lender and wanted to work something out with the lender but the time is running out (ie the management company did not do any significant improvement during the forbearance period) One of the LP just emailed me and said we need to raise 65k to enlist help from this company.

This ensures you lock in better terms based on the improved cash flow.

Once the construction of the business building was far enough along (but no more than 180 days) that the price of the land and the amount of improvements you make on it are equal to the sale of your old investment property you take title to it and that would complete your 1031 exchange. 

Flat Fee MLS Brokers for sellers have been around for a long time, but Flat Fee Broker/Agents for buyers with a cash credit/rebate of the buyer agent commission are quite new and just starting to get some market share.

You can decline them off their credit, background and for not having 2 past positive references.

Germantown has plenty of opportunities, especially if you keep an eye on areas with improving infrastructure or schools.