Is there an lower cost alternative to granite / quartz kitchen countertops that is still suitable for an STR?   

But it is not a closed option as there are a few that do not have these restrictions.As an alternative, you might want to look into house hacking or buying a single-family home instead.

Does anyone else recommend an alternative that is better priced, but equally as data heavy? 

Until Fed begins to cut rates I’ve found alternative lenders in some cases to be competitive with banks on construction debt when considering the totality of factors (rate, leverage, depository relationships and pre- payment penalties).

Alternatively, you could potentially have negotiated a lower purchase price… or just walk from the deal if it doesn’t meet your underwriting criteria.

There is an alternative that involves doing cost segregation on property you purchase and using this to help offset cap gains resulting from failed 1031 Exchange.

Consider FHA loans, conventional loans, and alternative financing options.

.: There IS going to be a big impact on Real Estate, especially for Single Family and small Multi-Family that is Owner Occupied.The SALT Deductions are slated to expire at the end of 2025.Trump has already said that he will allow it to Expire:https://about.bgov.com/insights/elections/2025-tax-policy-cr...This is NOT a small change.The Standard Deduction gets reduced by about 40%.Then you get to deduct the SALT (State and Local Tax) that you paid PLUS up to $1 Million in Interest from your Mortgage against your Federal Tax Return.The only limiting factor will be AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax).In 2017 when this Cap was put into place, it made sense.However, now that the average Home sells for about Double what it was back in 2017, many normal Americans can benefit from the Expiration.I'm hoping that the Trump Administration does not extend the Cap.Too many people will love him more if he allows it to Expire!

Alternatively, you can offer more such as central air when the competition doesn't have it.Avoid areas with a lot of new rental deliveries.

I could alternatively put that down in a index fund for S&P that gets about 8-11%.