Lastly, if you need help with a loan or want to talk, shoot me a DM or email!

Be sure to explore all around the forums as well as many of the FREE tools that Bigger Pockets provides.I am on the lending side of things and am always happy to hop on a call to discuss loan options that are out there, even if not offered by my resources.

And you'll have a solid W-2 income to help you qualify for loans. 

I'd need the interest rate to be roughly 5% to breakeven on an interest-only loan, and was considering a balloon payment in 5-7 years.

I own a mortgage company, so I have my loan officers use this Fannie Mae income calculation tool for all business for self borrowers: https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/applications-technology/income-calculator .

Through a hard money lender, but I will take out a DSCR loan in March to refinance.

I've also assumed VA loans where little cash was used (seller had low/no equity).

I believe the investor may need a commercial loan at that point or could do 3 separate loans since they are on different parcels.

If you are getting a loan no there is no way to protect yourself from crushing your credit or having a foreclosure against you if you are the borrower. 

We have secured a home equity loan against our home (which we own out right with no mortgage payment).