Most spend too much of their time and resources on the set up and completely ignore the day to day responsibilities and/or cut corners and costs where greater attention and resources should be spent.  

You will only be entitled to the deductions directly tied to the property, such as interest, taxes, insurance and maintenance. 

I wouldn’t go as far to say it’s a scam, but the amount they’re taking as a cut is unheard of in the industry. 

There is no short cut. 

There is a range of DSCR lender underwriting policies for "1st time investors" - some don't allow it, some do with no restrictions, and some in the middle (typically cut max LTV by 5% or so and restrict against anything over 4 units)Also - check out these BiggerPockets articles for a ton of info about DSCR loans:DSCR Loans: What Are They And How To Get The Best Termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...DSCR Loans: How To Use Pro Strategies To Save More And Make Morehttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...Multifamily DSCR Loans: A New High-Impact Loan Option For Real Estate Investors?

The agent will have access to the biggest platform to get the property sold though, the MLS, so forgoing even a cut rate agent will create more of a loss than the agent fees themselves. 

Then, run a rental stress test on the new STR assuming a worst-case scenario—like converting it to a long-term rental with a 30% cut in future rents.

My gut says I need to cut off of this deal,  but curious to get your perspective.

Someone has a gas stove and the new rental only has electricity; someone has a 33 in fridge and only a 30 in fridge fits; counter space is cut for slide in, not drop in; etc.

Identify the biggest losses and cut those with as minimal a loss as you can.