In both cases to keep things clean for underwriting at the bank I used my HELOC to secure the mortgage. 

A “syndication” is almost always a capital raise for the sale of a security/investment.  

If you don't flip, these guys are usually in the appropriate isles at Home Depot with the carts of supplies or just hang around the commercial check out.

So, even if the loan amount is the same, and even if the interest rate is the same, with the terms mirroring the underlying mortgage, the seller will have (1) recourse to foreclose if the buyer stops paying (2) with payments going directly to the seller who then sends payment to the underlying lender the seller will know if and when the buyer has not made a payment, in which case they can choose to make the underlying mortgage payment and proceed to foreclosure, (3) the seller’s legal position is enhanced since he holds a debt security interest in the property (4) the seller may be able to wrap a higher amount than the underlying note and or a higher interest rate and (5) the seller’s credit position may be enhanced since he has the asset of the wrap note offsetting the underlying debt.  

It’s astounding how many fake documents are circulating today—you can find everything from fake references and stolen Social Security numbers to falsified income documents.To combat this, we rely on tools like Plaid, Verifast, and Snappt, which are excellent for verifying financial information and detecting fraudulent activity.

As Mitch pointed to, on one hand, STRs are housing supply locally and will likely get looked at. 

That is smaller units built with higher density to make the numbers work for both buyers and builders.Adapting to these challenges isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to keep up with the market.What are your thoughts on how builders and developers can address affordability and supply issues. 

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

And the reason why your "tale of two halves" will play out as you described.Demand:  This has actually been high almost all along, but rent growth hasn't materialized in response due to high levels of new supply. 

But I also understand some people don’t really care about the cash flow as much as the security of not having to worry about a vacancy or whatever.