With high interest rates, we'd be looking at around $3800 PITI.

Cooper) said that the mortgage is assumable (there is path that would allow me to remove spouse from mortgage and retain the current rate), but the process can take a while, is subject to fees, and they need to reevaluate my ability to qualify for the mortgage without my spouse.

Yes, discounting the rent for a person for their eyes and ears on the property is worth it's wait in gold- but make sure you choose the right person, not necessarily the person that talks the most! 

Some renovations loans out there but the rates and prepays can be painful.  

Our initial idea was to build-to-rent two 1,300 sqft homes on the additional tracts of land, but after speaking with lenders, the current interest rates made this unfeasible.

Furthermore, we have a less than 3% interest rate on our home, and we love were we live.My family and I are finally getting to a position in life where we are financially secure.

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Flippers pay the highest taxes possible as they are paying regular income tax,not even capital gains tax rate, much less zero tax. 

I believe we are building more than enough apartments and once these all come online and can't get the Class A rents they will start offering discounts, concessions, and amenities that others in B or C cant.

If you sign a new lease with a one-year extension by (TEN DAYS) this amount will be discounted to $1,400.