It’s interesting how you mention that offering flexibility as a lender has opened up opportunities for borrowers to pursue deals they might not have otherwise been able to.As a private money lender, I'm always looking for ways to improve my services and better support investors like yourself.

When you pay these large chunks, your subsequent REGULAR PAYMENTS are also more effective, because your principal / interest ratio is improved by quite a lot.

We then use our money for the improvements.

Don’t forget heloc, DSCR, 2nd on primary, borrow from retirement accounts, credit card cash advance, property reserves, home improvement store credit, etc etc.

The loan does need to be secured by the property being improved if we are talking about a personal residence and personal itemized deductions on Schedule A.

I manage my own properties as do my clients; with the electronic resources for screening, rent collection, more - the ROI is greatly improved and you retain control of the property.Hope this helps.

If you believe you can carry this place, without a negative carry, make any necessary repairs and can make changes to improve the rents...

Improvements on property you own do not qualify.2.

You also have to be super detail-oriented, focused on continuous improvement regarding the property and guest experience, very in-touch with what it's like to be a guest at the property (and a cleaner of it as well), and focused on technological tools and opportunities. 

What I do see is that a strong screening process improves your chances of getting a responsible resident.