So in lieu of responding directly to the resident(s), I figured I'd touch base with the BP community to provide some insight.

Typically Conventional will end 42% of DTI and FHA can get up to 51% DTI (and based on your credit score I think you should stretch to that 51%) Just a few things to start thinking about as you are working through the process. 

., HVAC tune-up, plumbing fixes)Deep clean entire property pre-listingEstimated Cost: $5,000Total Estimated Renovation Cost: $145,000Project TimelineWeek 1-2: Planning and DemolitionFinalize design and materialsObtain necessary permitsBegin demolition (kitchen, bathrooms, floors)Week 3-5: Structural and Major InstallationsInstall new cabinets and countertops in kitchenComplete bathroom tiling and vanity installationRefinish or replace flooringWeek 6-7: Painting and FixturesPaint interior and exteriorInstall lighting, hardware, and plumbing fixturesWeek 8: Finishing TouchesLandscaping and curb appeal updatesDeep cleaning and stagingTotal Timeline: 8 Weeks*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.

So the question becomes based on their individual and personal tax situation what is the estimated tax burden they'd save? 

However, these programs typically qualifies borrowers based on their income, such as tax returns.The DSCR would be a good option considering you and your husband are entrepreneurs and the tax returns don't look good on paper.

So ya-see Jimmy, that's how we have a FACT-BASED conversation on "I can land 1%+ deals no problem"........

I recommend that you find a trusted or recommended Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO), who can give you options for property-based loans (mostly investment loans) and they don't use your taxes but the P&L of the property.

Even with that, I think we will still be way ahead. 2 bed, 1 bath, 1200sq/ft, detached 1 car garagePurchase Price: $38,000Repairs: $20,000ARV: $96,000 (based off Zillow, but a local real estate agent thought that was pretty accurate)Mortgage: $430Insurance: $55Trash Included: $25Rent: $1,000We are now going through applications for our first tenant. 

Based on what my mortgage broker told me a couple of days ago, these rates are in the low 7%'s, whereas the secondary home loan is low 6's.

As an example, last year we saw markets with 9% rent growth, and some with -5% rent growth -- so there is a large variance and I expect that to continue based mostly on supply dynamics as Scott said.