You could negotiate terms such as a lower interest rate or interest-only payments for a set period to ease your upfront burden.Lease-Option Agreement: If the landlord isn’t ready to sell outright, consider proposing a lease-option where you continue renting for a set period with an agreed purchase price.

The owner occupant rate is super low compared to many states but as a rental it goes up alot.  

The default rate is only 1% per month which is 12% annual.I assume there are more pages to that agreement

What is your current rate?   

What you also not considering is the D.C. area absorption rates. 

That rate might be justified if you were hiring a closer or someone in an acquisition role, but for cold calling alone, it’s definitely over the top.Thanks for sharing your insights—they highlight the importance of having clear systems and processes in place.

Super low vacancy rates in SD, even STR's. 

Thanks The older homes usually require some sort of updates to the plumbing/electrical to get a decent rate if you are wanting replacement cost.

What this usually leads to is higher rates and lots of points, which increase the amount of cash needed up front.

However, if the FHA interest rate is lower, I would still go that route and if rates drop refinance  however keep in mind FHA has PMI for life  Here you go