I had 3 different long term tenants in this unit over last 13 years, never had any issues.

When starting, I say "borrow as much as you can for as long as you can."

I will not be able to do a cashout refi with a conventional lender for 12 months, and although Fannie and Freddie require a 12 month seasoning period for cashout refi's, it seems most convetional lenders, even in a straight out refinance (with no cash out) require 12 months as a policy.Does anyone have any recommendations for long term lenders that will balloon me out on a long term loan?

I'm giving myself a year to learn all I can and save up a down payment for my first long-term rental in my local area.

@Belinda Fello- Usually, when you rent a property that has an HOA, you have a term in your lease that requires the tenant to comply with any rules or regulations of the HOA. 

If it takes you 4 more years to pay off your mortgage, how long after that until you have enough funds to purchase a rental property? 

I also converted the other side of the property (it's a functioning duplex) into an Airbnb / Short Term Rental.

Prepayment penalties- usually 1-5 year terms.

Expenses>capitalization in terms of deductions and taxes. 

Shorter-term holds provide a better vehicle for accomplishing those objectives.