In all markets in fact, this applies. 

Let us know how it goes.I provide my screening criteria on my website, and I encourage applicants to screen themselves before applying so they don't waste my time, their time, or their money.

The builder offerred $15,000 credit to be applied, however you wished EXCEPT can not be used for price reduction. 

Here are a few suggestions to help with the process:Use Zillow or a Similar Platform: If you already have a Zillow listing, having them apply through there is a good option.

Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

Pay Down the Loan Faster:I’m considering applying $40,000 annually to the loan principal.

@Rory DarcyRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

With the massive increase in STR properties in the US, I am hopeful that lenders and appraisers will evolve to apply income/exp metrics to STR deals specifically, on top of generic property comps.

Stick to Your TypeWarren Buffett once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”Apply this principle here:Decide on your property type.Say no to anything outside of that type.You can always pivot down the road, but starting with focus is crucial to building momentum.