It depends on what your goal is.

Also, depending on the purchase timeline, exploring a delayed purchase refinance could be a viable option.

This will be a "3/4 full time" short term rental / second home while I do plan on visiting once every month or so for the week/weekend depending on vacancy. 

Seems like there's a big range depending on who you ask. 

This may or may not be possible, depending on your situation.C.

@Jason O.I've rented to over 700 students (under and grad) and I understand the market well.To do it successfully: time it with the academic calendarSept to May: flat price including utilities and furniture for max revenue, can include a cleaning service to keep an eye on the rental.May to Aug: depends on your city density and the amount of summer classes, increase the price to accommodate the demand or decrease it accordingly.

All these strategies depend greatly on location, layout and your personal comfort level.   

If you have 100k of cash in the bank, how would YOU utilize it to yeild most cash flow/return. i'm considering all startgies, but essentially it depends on the deal and market. however, i''m focused on cash flow. 

It depends on the loan type and lender.

Im open to either DSCR or conventional Timothy really depends on the terms.