It is the most common contract I have seen, or speak with an attorney and have them draw one up specifically for your needs that may be a little shorter if you are speaking with sellers directly. 

The shorter the prepayment term has an impact on increasing the rate.4.

Some investors don't like it and want to be able to get their returns in a much shorter timeframe hence flip and fix is more attractive to them.

There are apartments that allow you a shorter stay than a year, though the apartment prices are a bit high, I don't think that you will waste your money renting so that you get familiar where you want to be.

Also I can pick shorter term tenants if I have plans to reno a unit. 

The shorter the prepayment term has an impact on increasing the rate.4.

We're also able to evaluate our rates, and keep pace with inflation, on a monthly and quarterly basis because of shorter term leases.These syndication can provide an 8%+ cash-on-cash return - providing you monthly cash flow - and a 15-20% IRR over the length of the project.

Yes, many DSCR options allow shorter seasoning periods.

I know the capital gains tax on investments shorter than 1 year have at least 35%+ tax.I try to tell people to beat the tax with volume, the 1031 exchange program can be a pain with their guidelines and process. 

Shorter lease terms causing anxiety.