Lower your price to match your competition or try the rental route.

We've had plenty of really good renters with lower credit scores.  

Residential will have a lower barrier and capital requirement to entry.

Combined rents on the property net roughly $4200/mo after expenses (PM, taxes, ins., etc.) 

I would be looking for a price discount to compensate for the repairs, lost rent, and eviction expenses. 

It's the same work to do a $55K loan as a $500K loan so the fees will be higher due to the loan amount but will still be much lower than what a lender or broker gets paid on a higher loan amount.

- ie can one structure the acquisition with fixed rate debt where the property will be “self-supporting” - produce enough income to pay all operating amd debts expenses with a little left over as cash flow - as a protective layer for the inevitable downtown.2.

I have a few thoughts:-Homes just off the water (in walking distance) almost always have better ROI due to lower purchase price.

We now have the deposit as non-refundable until they move in at which point it becomes their damage deposit and is refundable when they move out (minus any expenses for damages).

I got quotes from a local company for Lakeland, FL and they were WAY lower than I thought they would be.