@Helena Goyvaerts rate for a 30-year fix would be at least 8.5% with some points (1% of loan amount).Most DSR lenders have a minimum credit score requirement from the applicant.

In fact, I've had several people who I have talked to who are stating that they are looking to beat the summer season.

If it is faster than that, then I could potentially miss out on available days trying to get my place up and running. 

To create rental income that enables financial freedom, you need a location that meets specific criteria.Rents increase faster than inflation: Prices and rents are driven by the imbalance between demand and supply.

To get the same numbers for the LT rental, I'm estimating the rents would need to be at least $2,800/mo.

Wealth is created much faster with financing (OPM).Continued success!

Hard to beat for zero risk. 

In markets like Chicago or Baltimore, where there is not much new construction, we will see rents rise faster than inflation. 2) 2026 will see new multifamily deliveries slow to closer to historical lows, though not quite as low as what we saw in the great recession. 

If there's a family member or friend in a similar situation, and you can both align on the initial plan (location, home type, price, usage/occupancy, etc) you can pretty easily get a co-ownership agreement in place and even a joint mortgage.The benefit here is it might open up your ability to buy a larger place in a nicer area which could lead to a faster rate of appreciation and overall better living environment. 

Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual):What Are My Staging Options?