The point is that there are lots of strategies with different advantages or disadvantages. 

I fear whatever finance option a broker/lender shows her will be to her disadvantage.

I agree about making mistakes, but what if those mistakes put you at a greater disadvantage in time and money vs. just waiting and building the cash for a down payment plus some to get a start on emergency expenses?

As someone who has been lending to consumers who want to purchase, or refinance, since 1975, and who now provides strategies, advice, and services for those who want to start, or fix a lending operation, I believe that what many lenders do and offer is fair.There is no question that what we do starts as disadvantaged.

The only company that held any real unencumbered assets with my name on it was a company based in Monaco that owned a company based out of Delaware that owned all or part of separate LLCs for:Each community with investment partners;Each retail dealership that sold the homes in each state;Each captive finance company (One for each state of licensure.).The idea of a separate management company is not one I ever considered but should have.Unlike some operators, I never saw the value of having my name associated with the ownership of the communities and many disadvantages.

However I also have the disadvantage of not being able to buy repos I list or bid on any HUD properties because of the conflict of interest with my brokerage.       

What are the advantages/disadvantages of doing it this way?

I've never considered living in NYC a disadvantage until I seriously considered investing here...

All have varying advantages and disadvantages.3.  

Not providing washer and dryer puts me at a competitive disadvantage in my market.