Or just keep renting and saving in San Diego where we're familiar with the area and the market (which could take awhile, while we are probably 3ish years away from investing in a Midwest market).

To save my fingers from typing the same thing over and over, I wrote a blog on BP with my tips and tricks.

A landlord cant deduct home office, cant save for his retirement, nothing.  

This can save thousands annually.  

For example searching on keywords in both the description and private remarks that aren't shown to the public. 

I’m really hoping the new administration can get Freddie and Fannie privatized.

She has some stock (maybe 50k), some retirement IRA of around 100k which I believe she has started to take and then maybe 20k in her savings account.

California landlords can now enjoy streamlined maintenance and cost savings thanks to AB 2622.Signed into law in September 2024, AB 2622 raises the threshold for unlicensed contracting work from $500 to $1,000.

@Eamon Conheady - was the other lender a company or a private individual? 

We all use private investors or NON/QM investors for DSCR but some again charge points and some do not because they UW the file (Mini-C).Most Bankers typically offer rate closer to PAR or less margin built into the rate.