The 2-3% points in extra cost are worth it if you plan on using as I described above because the use would be for a few  months at most and due to that short term use you can survive a rate adjustment up.But, if you have no plan to payoff the debt like when using for a down payment on a long term hold why pay the extra cost for flexibility and have the additional risk of the adjustable rate with the amortization looming when you can get a fixed rate second mortgage. 

- Do you think it’s worth challenging the appraisal with Kiavi, or should I just cut my losses and move on?

Would it be worth exploring the possibility of partnering with an investor somehow to help with funding?

It is a corporate housing arbitrage mentoring program.I'm about to sign up but wanted to do my due diligence I want to check with people here if this is legit and if the program is worth the money they as asking for.

First of all @Diana Teng, have you ever gone to a restaurant and asked "is the food here worth buying?". 

It doesn't seem to be much in the way of appreciation over time, but would these be worth checking out for the beginning investor?

The big stuff is gone and if anything does come available Mom and Pop know what it is worth. 

I have an interior design background and can make this property really cute, but is it worth it?

What makes a property manager actually worth it— having more freedom, peace of mind, saving money, reducing risks, or something else entirely?  

I've seen some lenders offer as low as 15% down on an investment property but the terms they'll impose for doing so aren't usually worth it imo.