I look at location, price compared to surrounding properties (to force appreciation quickly), desirability, path of progress, underlying fundamentals, etc.

Below are some general notes on DSCR loans:* usually used for single family or 2-8 multi family unit properties (fits your scenario)* must be for investment, non owner occupied (if looking for a product for alternative qualifying solutions for owner occupied there are other products)* can close in a personal name or LLC* usually 80% LTV for a purchase (20% down payment) & usually 75-80% LTV for cash out refis* prepayment penalties vary and are optional, but the higher the prepayment penalty, the lower the rate / options typical range from no prepay all the way up to 5 year prepay and structures vary for how those penalties work (3 year is my most popular by far)* appraisal most likely required and paid out of pocket during transaction* can be used for long term, mid term, or short term rental properties * generally 1%+ is the desired DSCR ratio but you get better rates if the ratio is higher (usually rate breaks kick in at 1.15%+ or 1.25%+) and you can still get the loan done if ratio is lower than 1% but the rate will reflect that (DM me if you wand help learning how to calculate the ratio)* the average time to close is 21-30 days* fees vary lender to lender and product to product, but $1595 underwriting plus title fees is pretty standard* 700+ credit is preferred to get max LTV, but plenty of options if credit falls below that* a typical loan minimum is $75k (have limited options for $50k+) and typical loan maximum is $3-4m (have limited options for $4m+)* 3 months reserves usually required, having 6+ months will usually result in better loan terms, 0 reserves can still get the job done if you go with a program that allows you to use the cash flow as reserves* 30 year fixed, IO, and ARMS available

After all, inventory was super thin and many of our markets are highly desirable for owner occupancy (i.e., not just STR).

If you position yourself on the outer edge of that moving path of progress, there could be opportunities for STR/MTR/LTR all in the same neighborhood, which gives you that desired strong pivot-ability.  

That might work if your listing is a very desirable one...what happens if it sits on the market 30+ days?

I do not desire to reward tenants for poor behavior.I explain the consequences of an eviction to the tenant.

I would think snowbirds would not desire class d units/area.   

Long-term Investment Value: Over time, demand for properties with more amenities (like the extra half bath) could increase, which may help you achieve better returns, even if the immediate ARV bump is minimal.Overall, it may not drastically change the ARV, but for rental purposes, it could enhance the property's desirability and boost cash flow.

FIRST we have to sell a buyer on the desire of the property via the marketing colterol.

Properties in desirable areas or with substantial potential can attract even more investors.