I’ve seen folks pivot their plans quickly if they discover one city has friendier permit processes than another.And yeah, the Phoenix area has some really down to earth investor meetups, from what I’ve heard, that can help you level up fast.What aspect of the business are you most excited to tackle first.. managing construction, or scouting out those under the radar leads?

(Lower interest rate, easier to qualify and lower costs.)

If you tie the bonus to a new lease, a bad employee will lower standards to find tenants quickly.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Having professionals we can call to see how backed up they might be factors in as well - if we can't get a roof done ASAP, that holds everything else up if we have a leak so again, more time, more holding costs, lower ROI.Unfortunately I do not think there is a magic metric that can tell you if the deal is a winner or not. 

I would look at the DSCR loan as the first option.By the way, I suspect you are going to be disappointed by any refi appraisals   ADUs typically appraise poorly   JADUs can lower the property value Vs having the space as part of the primary unit.  

There are more factors than just the community (#beds, level of theming, location to the amenities, style of home (single family, townhome, condo) and others) But I would strongly advise to stay within some of the same communities you mentioned like Storey Lake, Windsor Hills, Championsgate and a few others if cash flow is your goal.

I have several CFO clients that do similar heavy rehab projects in the Midwest (albeit with a lower purchase price), so you can definitely make the numbers work. 

Putting 10%+ down with a different lender and getting lower points and interest is 100% better.

Some local banks are fine with 20% down but I don't think they'll go any lower.