Also, it would be vital to what products and schemes are popular at the current moment among investors.

The first thing I would recommend is find an agent whom you respect and have them write all your policies so they understand your situation well, can find products that fit well together and can maximize any discounts you may be entitled too. 

There are great articles and calculators for comparing loan products on The Mortgage Professor's site.  

The border idea is a much more difficult option with engineered products.

The product I am going to use when I replace my carpet is tile looking laminate.

This seems counter-productive to me,  as it seems the cash flow would be better utilized as leverage for additional properties.  

Our margins in Oregon on low end are not much better even for the production guys..

DoubleTree refuses to let go of these cookies and rules production rights with an iron fist!

Just call a number of tree service/land clearing co.s, and they will factor the salvage value of any wood products. 

If you'd like to reach out and connect with me you can find me on LinkedIn.I understand that these forums are not a place for product pitches.