You could also explore other loan programs that work better with higher DTIs, or even pay down some of your current debt.

There is more housing programs than can count. 

If you and your family are willing to house hack and use either an FHA 203k or homestyle renovation loan, the path of least resistance with the lowest risk, in my opinion.If you didn't want to house hack you could try a live-in-flip with those same loan programs! 

Are these programs upwards of $25,000 worry it to FastTrack you on learning the business, get coaching and into a deal while providing access to a network worth it?

I see credit cards and car loans as , but I do not see mortgages being paid down by the tenants as debt as bad debt.Because of the 4 reasons that are listed above I was very skeptical and even today I have not went through his whole program.

One thing I'd comment on about the DOGE cuts, there's a big difference in making cuts to the "management" of the program versus the actual subsidies received by the tenants.

After Hurricane Sandy in NY the vast majority of the houses on the South Shore of Long Island were lifted through various government grant programs.

Do you know how to tell the difference between being a certificate holder and receiving additional insured status? 

FHA also allows some flexibility with grants and assistance programs, which could help with closing costs or down payment.

However, based on their website, they do offer competitive programs for fix-and-flip investors.