Some lenders specialize in asset-based lending, considering rental income on Schedule E, especially if you have strong rental history.

I own and operate a STR nearby in a strong area (Morningside just off of E Warren).

I don't like brand new properties, since the first few years depreciation can be steep, similar to a new car.

I preached in “The Hands-Off Investor”, as well as on stage every year in my presentations at BPCON, that one of the strongest forms of “skin in the game” is “does the sponsor have a brand to protect?”  

Great property, perfect setup for a duplex with separate driveways, entrances, back patios w/ storage, brand new roof, plumbing, newer HVAC, appliances, flooring, etc.

The last few years I’ve seen it as pointless, as it was never a hard rule to be followed explicitly but a suggestion, and it seems like the only ones today who give it any credence are those brand new to REI and have heard it discussed on the older episodes of the podcasts or read about it in the books BP published 5+ years ago.

Also, brand suggestions for quality?

Closing tomorrow on a duplex e 128th, nobody knows about.

If you are brand new, drive around and make notes of just a few properties that might be looking to sell based on their upkeep.

There is a batch of brand new people with no real estate investing experience who hop on the welcome train (maybe to be nice, but more likely to boost posts) over and over with very patterned opens.Glad to hear it.