@Travis AndresIf you do not have other assets to secure against - your best bet would be a private lender willing to take risk of essentially providing an unsecured loan.There are people out there that do this - expect very high interest rates.

I usually search through listings to get an idea on cap rates to narrow down states or cities.

You'll find some really great tenants, less turnover, and a higher rental rate than an LTR using this strategy.

If you do not understand how NOI and cap rate determine value, learn it even if in theory it only applies to commercial RE.If you flip, you realize the gain in the short term.  

Given the fact that I’m single and have zero dependents I figured it may make sense to move to the new house for at least a year to get a primary residence mortgage with a lower rate and rent out my existing house as a furnished mid-term rental.My question is around taxes: my current home needs significant repairs and updates (about $20-30k’s worth 😬) before it’s ready to be rented (the pool enclosure went partially down during a storm among other things).

The SBA assistance is in the form of a low interest rate loan.

Begin by assessing the area's overall appeal, including factors like crime rates, school quality, and amenities.

I'm a student athlete at OU wrapping up my undergrad this fall, with plans to pursue grad school soon.

If the interest rate on their loan is low enough then the payment might be somewhat less than what you'd pay on a new loan today.

Offer to pay their hourly rate to sit down to answer your questions.