Banks caught on to this nonsense at some point, but it seems there are new angles.

Should I go traditional bank route?

It's a duplex in Chattanooga (technically Red Bank) and we will be house hacking for the next couple of years to build some momentum and experience.

Why don't you try the bank you do banking with.. 

Any recommendations on which bank to use for business checking?

I'm not an attorney, not a mortgage broker, not a bank, etc., etc. 

I love the concept of principal pay down as a piggy bank.  

@Ryan Dori lots of options besides DSCR. 1 Year income, Asset Depletion, Bank Statements, and P & L only loans. 

The bank said they require 90% owner occupancy and since our HOA is only 5 units, we only have 80% of units occupied by owner. does anyone have any suggestions on any banks or credit unions where this may not be an issue? 

Go to your bank and they can provide you with instructions.