I live in MD which is a very liberal state and it is frowned upon as being predatory.

A lender wants to make sure you are making money, so they are returned the borrowed funds.2) Make sure the property is driving distance to where you live.

In addition, as close to the beach as our mission beach units are, parking is precious.  

I own a single family rental that does very well and I live in my other SFH in the same town. 

My goal is to build a large enough portfolio to live off of (I'm still in college).

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/short-term-rental-loans-a...High Level --Conventional will typically offer lowest rates/fees but harder to qualify, especially if you are scaling and past the first couple of properties or going for the high-end of the market-2nd Home (10% Down) - should be very careful here - these are not intended for STR properties and people using them for pure investment properties are entering dangerous territory (you are attesting to use it as a rental half the year or less, no management, need to live in proximity, etc.)- DSCR Loans - typically your best bet if you don't quality (or have "outgrown") conventional or looking to scale a portfolio or diving into more specialized markets. 

A few additional savings hacks I layered w insurance, was to move deductible up and find break even sweet spot on annual premium.

Hey Jordan, im an investor and agent over in Phoenix Metro who actually got started investing out of state when I was living on Long Island, lets connect!

I'm Frank Hundley and I live between L.A.

I would also be added to the hazard insurance as an additional loss payee/mortgagee and have a lenders title policy for every transaction as a way of further protecting yourself.