Also cut through other red tape.

Garrett, my neighbor Jeff does a great job with taping and mud work.

I'm more familiar with C-Corp and it seems anything we purchase to help in our business (down to tape dispensers) are considered an expense.  

I've started talking to a GC and according to him, the fees associated with 1 tap vs 2 jumps from ~$5500 to ~$19000 along with other fees and red tape.

The GC does charge a bit higher because they are floating a larger portion than normal jobs.   2) Cash/Hard Money/HELOC/Private Money: If you can pay for the property and then refinance out as you will be living there that might be the least amount of red tape.  

(Our bank's HELOC's have a max term of 5 years.)Other standard expenses: (via MLS listing)Property Taxes: $185/mo.Insurance: $135/mo.Utilities (owner pays): $450/mo--Total (no HELOC): $1,620Total (w/ HELOC): $1,910--Income: $560 x 4 = $2,240($2,016, figuring 10% vacancy rate)--Profit, no HELOC: $396 (incl. vac. rate)Profit, no HELOC: $620 (not including. vac. rate)Profit, w/ HELOC: $106 (incl. vac. rate)Profit, w/ HELOC: $330 (not including. vac. rate)--House has a partial new roof (split, part metal, part asphalt) and mostly newer windows.

use Flex Shot tape to seal the roof leak and replace the outer portion of the roof that needs replacing.

We can come up with the 25% down payment but how do we find a lender who is STR investor friendly and will help us push through the red tape to get our next STR?

Curt, thanks, you are right, I have put out way more than that buying books, tapes, seminars, systems, mailing letters and postcards, etc, etc.

I discoved an amazing thing......I started to make more money, work less and had time to go to real estate seminars, buy tapes and books and build a savings, Oh...... a supportive wife was a big help........married now this Wednesday will be 47 years.I'll be 75 years old January 16, and as I look back over the many years of Trial and Terror, I don't think I'd want to start over learning to be an investor.What I didn't have and new investors have today makes this business easier; a computer, cell phone, Internet, Bigger Pockets and lots of folks to render help and encouragement.