One key takeaway for future projects is the value of hiring professional painters.

But my suggestion for future listings.Look at days on market in the area that you are going to list.

, but we figured that the sentiment wasn't going to change in the near future.

Although whichever option you go with make sure you're also thinking about the long-term property value and what makes the most sense vs trying different angles now that negatively impact future resale/property values down the line. 

Suggest you pester them with questions to learn the eviction process, so you can save money in the future.

Rock that for about 12 months and add some equity and then you could refi out to conventional so as you pay it down in the future the mortgage insurance will drop off.

So adding 2/3 equivalent properties that will have the opportunity to appreciate in the future, without mortgage, was the idea behind option 2 (+ renting out something in Seattle)

These rates of return surpass what bank-provided bonds and stock dividends offer.

Most STR markets have seasonality, and there are untold issues in the future that will effect cashflow. 

You have to come to the table (a future deal) with funds to get the ball rolling.