For comparison, a Navy Federal FCU personal loan will be in the 15s%

I personally am interested in creating a long-term rental portfolio but I'd be interested in hearing any strategy, ie. house flipping, short term rentals etc.

I know some will differ here but I will offer my personal opinion like many others have.

Personally, I wouldn't open up a home that isn't in good repair, from a liability standpoint if nothing else.

If the trust is disregarded and you and your wife file a joint tax return the property is reported on your personal joint return. 

@Ryan Raven most states don't care if you screw up the management of real estate you own personally.The government does have a problem with an unlicensed person/company screwing up the management of properties they do not own.

As a beginner, I would personally get my feet wet with something a little less risky without a balloon payment like that.

Personally, I'm waiting for the lawsuit by a seller against his own broker for refusing to vet a potential buyer and then show to a qualified buyer.

Definitely a personal question. 

Personally I pay $300 commission to get the new tenant, 8% of rent collected, and $150 for renewals.