I have not done it personally but have some insight, maybe my reply may boost your post to someone with more experience in it. 

If they are adjusting the amount they can lend because the margins are too thin or telling you the deal metrics are not checking out it is likely due to the expected earnings not being sufficient. 

.: I'd be tempted into doing an STR (maybe with a higher down payment to ensure cashflow, just run ROI numbers) or an apartment complex - I personally wouldn't mess w/ small stuff.

I'm still in the learning phase and have read about a hundred different books on FI and personal finance.Looking for any resources that might help me on my way.

Of course most GPs have personally put in money to keep the deals from sinking.

For my personal portfolio I use a modified spreadsheet amortization by VERTEX, available in Google Docs.  

Use the ge benefits that you have earned to their fullest. 

ALSO, You can buy your personal home that is a rehab, fix it up then live there for 2 years.

Questions they will have is who is the owner, what experience do they have, is their key person insurance against them etc. 

Insurance- personal property.