This little economic slow down that was intentionally created to slow the economy to fight inflation is barely a pimple compared to the Great Recession. 

So, the number of inquiries will be understandably lower with that approach and intentionally so.

I may make a post on the numbers, but that was not my intention here.  

I did start investing with the intention of building my rental portfolio, but I started to see that overall I was not cashflowing as best as I could.

I purchased a duplex in May of this year and moved into the bottom unit with the intention of renting the top unit as well as the sf I moved out of which would put me in positive cashflow (the top unit of the duplex does not cover the duplex mortgage entirely on its own). 

Is there an equity-based product that I could use to pay for that rehab, with the intent of doing a DSCR once it is rehabbed and rented?

If you feel they're being too harsh, think about their intent.

My husband and I acquired a rental property in 2023 with hard money with the intention of rehabbing the home and renting out the 3 units, refinancing and paying back this short term loan.

Unless they can prove intentional fraud.

I suspect she had the best intention of doing the appraisal but for whatever reason was not getting to it.