Many investors in your situation also explore seller financing or subject-to deals to minimize upfront costs, especially if they find a seller open to creative terms. 

I am looking to buy a property in SLC Utah that i would want to try and run as a STR to help offset the cost.

i would love to buy a 3-4 unit that could both reduce my cost of living and cash flow. move out and redo the process a few times every year. 

Although I know most sec 8 landlords use it because of the perception of guaranteed rents.As a small home builder I really dont know how they are going to lower the cost of new construction housing unless the govmit subsidizes it somehow.. basically the price of home components are very sticky they only go up. with the xception of lumber that will go  up and down through out the year..

With down payments, improvements, commissions, title work, holding costs etc....

Can you give a cost breakdown?  

And although I'm grateful to have found another lender to get it done, it cost me more money in points, a higher interest rate because of the current rate was higher than previous, and I had to buy another appraisal for $750.The response I received from one of the founders of the company states: "We are not able to refund any amounts at this time as the time of quality control has passed....

I think it just benefits current owners. our replacement cost variability just went up a lot for the next 4 years.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

Turbotax isn't going to educate you so unless you'd like to educate yourself and potentially make some costly pitfalls, then I'd outsource.