Will he co-sign on loans from banks or private lenders, or will he just say, call 15 banks?

Possibly, but that Fannie/Freddie deal might only return 8% C-o-C with a 17% IRR whereas the smaller deals would probably be closer to 15% C-o-C with a 23-25% IRR.

Rent out a room, or two or 3 in your new place to friends, family, co-workers. 

Hey Kevin,I am an MTR investor and co-host in North Dallas, Texas.I have not done rent by the room--- but make sure you seek out advice from the rent by the room forums.

How the law is written the owner has to abide by the code of the latest C/O. 

I am co-owner of a $900k property and co-signer on the $400k refi loan.

Just as much as you compare yourself to others that got lucky (literally, they could have lost their butts too) with better investments/markets, you also need to consider the folks that never invested, live paycheck to paycheck, etc...Markets that got away for me: Frisco/breckenridge/summit county (Never could have bought there anyway, just hurts I probably won't be able to)Denver/Co springs: Own one here, but from 2018-2022 a lot of values doubled, I purchased january 2022.

My wife and I own 3 properties in Colorado and are considering pulling some equity to purchase an STR in the Tampa Bay Area.

I understand the first parts where creating a win-win deal is key, I just can't seem to find what happens  When it comes to closing real estate transactions, there are basically three ways to do it: (1) do it yourself (2) utilize real estate attorney or (3) utilize title co.  

By way of example, a lender may charge retainage, only release soft costs upon C/O, may limit loans to a set number of draws or only allow draws once a certain dollar amount of work has been completed.